Systems and methods for performing automated fastener selection

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods that perform automated selection and delivery of a fastener. The system or apparatus may include a fastener inventory portion that retains a plurality of fasteners; a user delivery portion; a transfer assembly that affords physical transport of a fastener selection from the fastener inventory portion to the user delivery portion; a fastener attribute assembly that inputs desired fastener attribute data (DFA data) regarding a desired fastener; a computer system that interfaces with the fastener attribute assembly to input the DFA data; maps the DFA data to at least one fastener candidate; determines a fastener selection amongst the at least one fastener candidate; determines a number of discrete units of the desired fastener that comprise the fastener selection; and controls the transfer assembly to retrieve the fastener selection from the fastener inventory portion and physically transport the fastener selection to the user delivery portion.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application62/642,908 filed Mar. 14, 2018, the content of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The systems and methods described herein relate to automated fastenerselection, including automated systems and methods for selectingfasteners including screws, nuts, and bolts, for example.

BACKGROUND

Mechanical fasteners such as screws, nuts, and bolts, for example, arewidely used by a substantial number of persons for a substantial numberof uses. However, the often associated task of locating necessaryfasteners, for a particular project for example, often involvestime-consuming and inefficient search amongst often hundreds offasteners—until the desired fasteners are located, if indeed the desiredfastener can be located.

Therefore, technical improvements and solutions are needed to overcomethese shortcomings. The systems and methods of the present disclosureprovide such improvements and solutions.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods that perform automated selection and delivery of afastener. The system may include an apparatus that includes a fastenerinventory portion that retains a plurality of fasteners; a user deliveryportion; a transfer assembly that affords physical transport of afastener selection from the fastener inventory portion to the userdelivery portion; a fastener attribute assembly that inputs desiredfastener attribute data (DFA data) regarding a desired fastener; acomputer system that interfaces with the fastener attribute assembly toinput the DFA data; maps the DFA data to at least one fastenercandidate; determines a fastener selection amongst the at least onefastener candidate; determines a number of discrete units of the desiredfastener that comprise the fastener selection; and controls the transferassembly to retrieve the fastener selection from the fastener inventoryportion and physically transport the fastener selection to the userdelivery portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be better understood on reading thefollowing detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, andon examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an AFS (automated fastener selection)system, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing aspects of a GUI, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of a fastener selection processthat may be performed by the AFS system of FIG. 1, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the “system performs find by sampleprocessing” step of FIG. 3, in accordance with at least one embodimentof the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in further detail the “system retrievesfastener from storage and delivers to customer” step of FIG. 3, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a tray compartment in cross-section, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a further diagram showing a tray compartment, in accordancewith a further embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing aspects of image data input and processed bythe system, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an AFS system, in accordance with a furtherembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a delivery system, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing further details of a delivery system thesame as or similar to the delivery system of FIG. 10, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing further features of a bagging assembly, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an arrangement, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a vacuum box, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view along line 14B of FIG. 14A, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view along line 14C of FIG. 14A, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a top view showing a hopper assembly, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a hopper assembly, in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a top view showing a hopper assembly the same as or similarto the hopper assembly of FIG. 15, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a further perspective view of a hopper assembly, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing further details of a delivery system thesame as or similar to the system of FIG. 10

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing details of the control portion ofFIG. 19, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 21 shows an illustrative GUI reflecting various processingperformed by the AFS system, in accordance with at least one embodimentof the disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing further processing performed by a CPP, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing further details of the processing “CPPperforms processing of sample fastener” step of FIG. 22, in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing in further detail the processing “CPPprocesses data input from cameras to generate image input fastener (IIF)data” step of FIG. 23, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing example fastener structure, which may beutilized in conjunction with the various processing, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing features of processing of attributes of asample fastener, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing further details of “processing isperformed to enter/change type of fastener” step of FIG. 22, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing further details of “processing isperformed to enter/change fastener head type” step of FIG. 22, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing further details of “processing isperformed to enter/change fastener length” step of FIG. 22, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing further details of “processing isperformed to enter/change fastener thread size” step of FIG. 22, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing further details of the “CPP processesaggregated data received” step in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart diagram showing a search process in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing details of the processing “CPP performsprocessing to fetch the requested fastener” step of FIG. 22, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing further details of “first stage baggerprocessing is performed” step of FIG. 33, in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing further details of “second stage baggerprocessing is performed” step of FIG. 33, in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing aspects of processing in a delivery system,in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure

FIG. 37 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure

FIG. 38 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure

FIG. 39 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 40 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure

FIG. 41 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 42 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure

FIG. 43 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 44 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a further dispensing assembly in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a further dispensing assembly in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a further dispensing assembly, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a further dispensing assembly, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a further structure that may be utilized tohold fasteners, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the same or similar structure asthat shown in FIG. 49 without washers, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly with plungerassembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly, withoutfasteners, the same or similar to that of FIG. 51, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly, withoutfasteners, the same or similar to that of FIG. 51, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 54 is a diagram of a further dispensing assembly with plungerassembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 55 is a diagram showing operation of a dispensing assembly, thesame or similar to that of FIG. 54, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing operation of a dispensing assembly, thesame or similar to that of FIG. 54, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing operation of a dispensing assembly, thesame or similar to that of FIG. 54, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 58 is a diagram showing operation of a dispensing assembly, thesame or similar to that of FIG. 54, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 59 is a diagram showing operation of a dispensing assembly, thesame or similar to that of FIG. 54, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 60 is a diagram showing operation of a dispensing assembly, thesame or similar to that of FIG. 54, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 61 is a diagram showing operation of a dispensing assembly, thesame or similar to that of FIG. 54, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 62 is a diagram showing operation of a dispensing assembly, thesame or similar to that of FIG. 54, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 63 is a diagram showing operation of a dispensing assembly, thesame or similar to that of FIG. 54, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, aspects of the systems and methods of the disclosure willbe described in accordance with various embodiments.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure, thesystems and methods of the disclosure relate to automated fastenerselection.

The disclosure is directed to an “Automated Fastener Selection” (AFS)system and related processing to provide “fasteners” to a customer. Forexample, the AFS system may be disposed in a retail environment toprovide fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and nuts to a customer. TheAFS system of the disclosure addresses the problem of wasted time tofind a particular needed fastener. In versions of the disclosure, theAFS system may be in the form of a kiosk or vending machine typearrangement.

With the invention, the customer interfaces with the AFS system toselect the particular desired fastener (and number of fasteners) througha suitable user interface with the AFS system. The user interface mightbe in the form of a GUI (graphical user interface) by which the customersearches and selects a particular fastener based on “specs” of thefastener, such as size or type, for example.

In accord with aspects of the disclosure, the customer may set afastener (that the customer wants to replace) in a suitable tray, suchas a V-shaped tray. The tray holds the fastener in a predeterminedorientation. The AFS system then takes a picture of the particularfastener—and maps the picture (i.e. image) to a known fastener via data(in a database of the system). In such processing performed by the AFSsystem, other attributes of a fastener may be utilized such as size,weight and/or distance attributes.

Relatedly, once the particular desired fastener is identified, the AFSsystem may access and deliver the requested fastener to the customer inan automated manner. For example, the AFS system accesses the particulardesired fastener (for example a bolt) in inventory, retrieves thefastener, and transports the fastener to a location for retrieval by thecustomer—such as a retrieval tray in the kiosk. Alternatively, the AFSsystem may provide specific directions to the customer for pickup of thedesired fastener, i.e. such as from a particular bin in the retailenvironment.

The systems and methods of the disclosure include various other featuresas described in the following disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an AFS (automated fastener selection) system10, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. In amanner described in detail below, the AFS system 10 provides thestructure and operation to identify a desired fastener, map the identityof the desired fastener to matching fasteners in inventory—therebyproviding a “fastener selection”, and physically transport the fastenerselection to a retrieval tray on a kiosk (or at another location) forretrieval by the user.

As shown, the AFS system includes an AFS station or apparatus 100. Inparticular, the AFS system 10 might be in the form of a kiosk to beplaced in a retail environment. It is appreciated that the AFS system10, as shown, might be placed in a variety of environments as may bedesired. In accord with the embodiment of FIG. 1, the AFS station 100 isin the shape of a box-like structure. The station 100 includes a toppanel 101 and opposing side panels 102 (right side panel not shown).While also not shown, the AFS station 100 may be provided with a backpanel and a bottom panel so as to provide structural strength andprovide a suitable container for housing the various components disposedwithin and mounted upon the AFS station 100.

As described in detail below, the AFS system 10 includes a traycompartment 120. The tray compartment 120, in particular, includes aplacement tray 121. The placement tray 121 might be accessed via a trayopening 129. The placement tray 121 may be constituted by a bottom panelthat is divided into two opposing angled surfaces. The tray compartment120 is provided to receive a desired fastener that a user wishes toduplicate. In other words, as described above, a scenario in which theAFS system 10 may perform includes a user approaching the AFS system 10with a particular desired fastener in his or her possession. Thefastener might be a screw, bolt, nut, or some other desired fastener. Inthis scenario, the user wishes to purchase more of the particularfastener. Upon approaching the AFS system 10, the user places thedesired fastener upon the placement tray 121.

As noted above, the placement tray 121 includes a bottom panel that isdivided into two opposing angled surfaces. By such design, the twoopposing angled surfaces form a V-shaped channel into which a user mayposition the desired fastener. In particular, the V-shaped channel,constituted by the opposing sides of the placement tray 121, provide astable support into which the desired fastener may be seated—and therebypreventing rolling of the desired fastener. As shown, the placement tray121 may extend the length of the tray compartment 120. In other words,the placement tray 121 may cover the extent of a bottom surface of thetray compartment 120.

The AFS system 10 as shown in FIG. 1, also includes a plurality ofcameras disposed in the tray compartment 120. In the embodiment of FIG.1, two cameras are disposed in the tray compartment 120. One camera 130Amay be disposed at a far wall 123 of the tray compartment 120. A secondcamera 130B may be disposed on a sidewall 124 of the tray compartment120. In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the two cameras,disposed in the tray compartment 120, may input images of a particulardesired fastener disposed upon the placement tray 121. As described invarious detail below, the position of the two cameras 130A, 130B may bestably fixed vis-à-vis the placement tray 121. In other words, theposition of the two cameras may be statically disposed relative to theplacement tray 121. Such static disposition provides for effectivecalibration of the cameras for effective processing of imagesrespectively input by the two cameras. In particular, such staticdisposition, relative to placement tray, allows the distance betweeneach camera and the placement tray 121, with the desired fastener in theplacement tray, to be known. As a result, processing based on imagesinput by the two cameras 130A, 130B may effectively be used to determinethe size of the desired fastener disposed on the placement tray 121.Various calibration techniques may be utilized.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, a fastener stop flange 127may be utilized to further control and maintain the position of adesired fastener placed into the tray compartment 120 by a user. Morespecifically, the fastener stop flange 127 provides a stop against whichthe desired fastener might be positioned by the user.

Accordingly, the structure of the tray compartment 120 and the variouscomponents disposed in the tray compartment 120 provides an environmentto effectively input images of a desired fastener. Hand in hand withsuch structure, the AFS system 10, as shown in FIG. 1, includes variousother components.

As shown, the AFS system 10 includes a graphical user interface (GUI)window structure 110. The GUI window structure 110 supports a GUI 200,in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.Illustratively, the GUI 200 may be in the form of a display screen.Further details of the GUI 200 are described below in detail. Relatedly,the AFS system 10 includes at least one computer processor (shown inphantom in FIG. 1 as computer processing portion (CPP) 180) to controlthe various operations of the AFS system 10. Operations of the AFSsystem 10, as shown in FIG. 1, may vary dependent on varying scenarios.In accord with one embodiment of the disclosure in one scenario, a userapproaches the AFS station 100 and places a desired fastener into thetray compartment 120 as described above. The GUI 200 may display asuitable prompt such as “Tap to start”. Such prompt may provide aneffective way for the system to be aware of engagement and to initiateprocessing for a desired fastener. However, in other embodiments, thesystem 10 may be provided with a suitable motion detector that detectsmotion observed in the tray compartment 120. In other words, the system10 might detect the motion associated with a desired fastener beingplaced in the tray compartment 120 and, as a result, be “aware”, i.e.react to such input data, to initiate processing for the desiredfastener.

Upon processing being initiated by the AFS system 10, for a desiredfastener, the system 10 may work in a relatively autonomous manner, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. To explain,upon the system 10 being made aware of a desired fastener placed in thetray compartment 120, the system may automatically input images of thedesired fastener. As described above, such images might be input by oneor more cameras disposed in the tray compartment 120. It is appreciatedthat data regarding a particular desired fastener, placed in the traycompartment 120, is not limited to image data input by cameras. Rather,various other types of data, such as weight data via a suitable scaleregarding a particular desired fastener, might also be input by thesystem 10 and utilized by the system to determine attributes of aparticular fastener. Further details are described below.

Based on the data that is input regarding a particular desired fastener,the system 10 (and in particular one or more computer processors of thesystem 10) map the input data, regarding the desired fastener, so as totry and determine an identity of the particular desired fastener. Oncethe identity of the particular fasteners determined, the system 10 thenassociates the identified fastener with a stock of fasteners in aninventory associated with the AFS system 10. In some embodiments of thedisclosure, the AFS system 10 might indeed be a single standalone kioskas is shown in FIG. 1. Such single standalone kiosk is thus provided tohold the desired inventory required by the particular environments inwhich the kiosk 100 is placed. For example, a single standalone kiosk,with necessarily limited inventory, might be utilized in an environmentwhere there is demand for only a limited or set number of fasteners. Forexample, such an environment, i.e. venue, might be a shop floor or anassembly floor in which only a limited, predetermined number of bolts,nuts and/or other fasteners are used by workers in the particularenvironment. In such situation, the AFS station 100 might include aninventory of only a few screw types (of a particular diameter) with eachtype being available from the AFS station 100 in varying lengths. Alimited number of nuts, matching the available screws, may also bedisposed in the inventory of the AFS station 100, in this particularexample.

However, it is appreciated that such example regarding the illustratedsize of the AFS station 100 of FIG. 1 is merely illustrative. As moresubstantial inventory of fasteners is required for a particularenvironment, i.e. venue, the size and complexity of an AFS system of thedisclosure may vary in coordination with such demand. That is, the sizeof the AFS station 100 may be varied based on the desired inventory offasteners to be housed within the station. Additionally, in a manner asdescribed below, the AFS system 10 might be composed of a plurality ofmodules that are connected together so as to afford needed operation ofthe AFS system 10.

As described the AFS system 10 provides structure and operation toidentify a desired fastener, map the identity of the desired fastener tomatching fasteners in inventory, which constitute a fastener selection,and physically transport the fastener selection to a location forretrieval by the user.

With further reference to FIG. 1, the GUI 200 provides an interfacebetween a human user and a computer processor that allows the user tointerface with the AFS system 10, in accordance with at least oneembodiment. It is appreciated that in some embodiments the AFS systemmay indeed not require such a GUI and/or interface with a human user. Insuch a situation, the human user might simply place a desired fastenerinto the tray compartment 120—such resulting in a predetermined numberof the desired fasteners (i.e. a fastener selection retrieved frominventory) being delivered to the user. Such delivery may simply be inthe form of the system retrieving the fastener selection from inventory(within the AFS station 100) and delivering the fastener selection to aretrieval tray assembly such as tray 140, illustratively shown in FIG.1.

However, it is appreciated that in various embodiments of thedisclosure, interface between the system 10 in the human user (such asutilizing a suitable GUI) may be desired for a variety of purposes. Inparticular, such interface might be needed for the system to input theamount/quantity needed of the particular desired fastener. Additionally,as described further below, the AFS system 10 might allow variations ofa particular desired fastener placed into the tray compartment 120. Forexample, a screw might be placed into the tray compartment 120 and theAFS system 10 determine the identity of that screw. The “identity” mayinclude a particular part number unique to the desired fastener.Alternatively, and more likely in a typical scenario of the AFS system10, the identity of a particular fastener might be constituted byattributes of such fastener. Such attributes might include the length ofthe fastener, characteristics of the head of the fastener, the sizethread of the fastener, the density or threads per inch (TPI) of thefastener, the color of the fastener, and/or a wide variety of otherattributes that might be associated with a particular fastener.

In one example, in operation of the AFS system 10, the user may simplybe prompted to input a quantity of the identified fastener, as notedabove. However, in other embodiments, operation of the AFS system 10might provide for the user to select variations of an identifiedfastener. For example, once a sample fastener (placed in tray 121) isidentified with a particular thread size, operation of the system 10might allow for the user to select a different length of the identifiedfastener. For example, the identified fastener (placed in the traycompartment 120) might be a screw with 8-32 size thread and a length of1 inch. The user might be prompted, via the GUI 200, to vary the lengthand select a length of 1.5 inches. As a result, the system 10 wouldretrieve a desired number of 8-32 size thread screws 1.5 inches long.Such “fastener selection” may be retrieved from inventory using asuitable mechanical system and delivered to the retrieval tray assembly140 of FIG. 1. For example, a suitable mechanical delivery system isdescribed below with reference to FIG. 10, in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown, the AFS station 100 may also be provided with one or moreaccess panels 180. Such access panels 180 might be utilized, as desired,so as to provide access to the various components stored within theinterior of the AFS station 100. In particular, and access panel mightbe utilized to access and replenish inventory housed within the AFSstation 100. Additionally, access panels might be provided and utilizedto access any number of other components of the AFS system 10 includingmechanical components of a transfer assembly that delivers a fastenerselection from inventory to a retrieval location and/or computerprocessing components.

Various further details of operation of the AFS system, in accordancewith various embodiments of the disclosure, are described below.

FIG. 2, as noted above, is a diagram showing aspects of a GUI 200, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Inparticular, the GUI 200 of FIG. 2 may be constituted by a GUI displayedon the AFS station 100 of FIG. 1. The GUI 200 may include a label 201 soas to identify it as an “AFS system”. The GUI 200 may also include astart button or icon 202 as shown in FIG. 2. The start button 202 may beprovided with a suitable label 203. In the example of FIG. 2, the label203 is simply constituted by the text “Tap to Start”. Accordingly, theGUI 200 of FIG. 2 is simply provided to initiate processing, by a user,of the system—such as in the situation of a fastener being placed uponplacement tray 121 shown in FIG. 1. In operation, a user taps the startbutton 202, such as at a tap point 204. As a result of the tap at point204, in this example, the AFS system 10 generates a GUI 210.

As shown in FIG. 2, the GUI 210 includes various indicia related todetermining the identification of a requested fastener presented by auser, i.e. a customer. The GUI 210 may be presented on a kiosk 100, suchas that shown in FIG. 1. The GUI 210 includes a label 211 such as “AFSsystem”. Further, the GUI 210 includes a plurality of buttons includingthe button 214 and the button 216. The button 214 may include text suchas “find by sample” that includes instructions such as instructing theuser to place the sample fastener in the tray. Accordingly, the button214 is provided in a common scenario of use of the invention, in whichthe customer places a requested fastener, i.e. a sample, in the traycompartment 120 as shown in FIG. 1. Also, embodiments of the disclosuremay include functionality to address the situation in which the userdoes not possess a physical sample of a desired fastener. In such asituation, the user taps the button 216 that is provided with a suitablelabel 217 such as “find by search”. Such button 216 may include indiciaindicating that the user will be requested to enter details of therequested fastener. Various further details of various functionalityprovided by the system of the disclosure, GUIs provided to implementsuch functionality, and processing performed to provide suchfunctionality are described further below.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of a fastener selection processthat may be performed by the AFS system 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the disclosure. In particular, the “systemperforms fastener selection process” is initiated in step 300 and passesto step 310. In step 310, the system waits for user input to initiateprocessing. For example, in one embodiment, the system might wait forthe user to tap the “start” GUI button 202 of the GUI 200 of FIG. 2.Accordingly, as reflected in step 310′, at a point in time the systeminputs a suitable initiation command from the user. As a result, theprocessing passes to step 320.

In step 320, the system presents a GUI to the user with suitable labelsand buttons to provide the user with desired functionality. Inparticular, such GUI might be in the form of the GUI 210 shown in FIG.2. Accordingly, such GUI may include the button 214 to provide thefunctionality of identification of a fastener based on a sample—that is“Find by Sample” processing in which the user places a fastener in thetray compartment 120, for example. Also, the GUI may include the button216 to provide functionality for identification of a fastener based on asearch, in which the user enter details of the fastener. Step 320′ ofFIG. 3 reflects decision processing that the user tapped the GUI button214. Step 320″ a FIG. 3 reflects decision processing that the usertapped the GUI button 216.

In the situation that the user tapped the button 214, the processingpasses from step 320′ to step 330. In step 330, the system performs“find by sample” processing. Details of such processing are described infurther detail below with reference to FIG. 4. In the alternative, inthe situation that the user tapped the button 216, the processing passesfrom step 320″ to step 340. In step 340, the system performs “find bysearch” processing. In such “find by search” processing, the userinterfaces with the AFS system 10 (via a GUI) so as to enter variousattributes of a particular fastener that the user desires more of suchfastener.

After the processing of either step 330 or the processing of step 340,the process of FIG. 3 passes to step 350. In step 350, the systemretrieves the particular requested fastener from storage and deliversthe fastener to the user, i.e. customer. Further details of theprocessing of step 350 are described below with reference to FIG. 5.

In the situation of the “find by sample” processing, the system thusidentifies the particular fastener that the user has placed in the traycompartment 120. Such fastener effectively provides a sample that thesystem utilizes to determine a match—so that the user mayobtain/purchase more of the “sample” fastener. As described above andotherwise herein, the CPP (central processing portion) may providefunctionality such that the user may vary one or more attributes of aprovided sample—such that the system then determines if fasteners are ininventory to fulfill the sample fastener with the variances input by theuser. In particular, the variance might be constituted by the length ofa particular screw, for example. That is, the sample screw might be 1inch long, and the desired “fastener selection” be two inches long. Ofcourse, the particular quantity of fasteners in the fastener selectionmay well be varied by the user.

After the processing of step 350, the process passes to step 360. Instep 360, the CPP outputs a communication to the user—to determine ifthe user wishes to purchase another fastener. For example, the CPP mightoutput a message via the GUI with the text “Did you need help purchasinganother fastener?”. Then, in related step 360′, the CPP determineswhether the user replied yes. If the determination of step 360′ is yes,then the processing returns to step 320. In step 320, processing isperformed in the manner and functionality as described above.

On the other hand, if no in step 360′, then processing for theparticular user is completed. As a result, the process passes from 360′to step 370. Step 370 reflects that AFS processing for the particularuser is completed. As reflected in step 360′, it is appreciated that aparticular wait time might be utilized by the system—such that if noresponse is input by the system, from the user, then a default settingis activated. The default setting might simply be “no” in which caseprocessing passes to step 370 by default.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the “system performs find by sampleprocessing” step 330 of FIG. 3, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4 is provided to show and summarizehigh-level processing performed by the system. That is, variousadditional details are described below with reference to the additionaldrawing figures, such as FIG. 22.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4, the process starts in step 330 andpasses to step 331. In step 331, the system interfaces with the user toinput any initial attributes of the fastener. For example, the usermight interface with the system so as to allow the system to constrainany search, resulting from the observed data, to a particular type offastener. For example, the user might specify, through interface withthe system, that the user is wanting to purchase a screw. Given thisinitial input data, the system is then able to more effectively processthe sample once that sample is placed into tray compartment 120.Accordingly, such approach and methodology allows the system to performmore efficiently and effectively with less computer resources than ifthe system was not so constrained. After the processing of step 331,process passes to step 332. In step 332, system interfaces with the userso as to advise the user to place the fastener in the tray, such as inthe placement tray 121 of FIG. 1.

After the processing of step 333, in the example of FIG. 4, the processpasses to step 334. In step 334, based on the input data, from thesample and/or user GUI input, the system performs processing to identifythe requested fastener, i.e. the fastener that the user wishes topurchase. After step 334, the process passes to step 335. In step 335,the process returns to FIG. 3. In particular, the processing passes tostep 350 of FIG. 3.

It is appreciated that the linearity illustratively shown in FIG. 4between steps 331, 332, and 333 may be adjusted either through hardcoding of the system and/or through user selection.

Accordingly, the processing reflected in step 332 and 333 might indeedbe performed before the processing of step 331. In particular, suchreordering of processing may be desired and/or needed in the situationthat images input of the sample fastener are not dispositive of anyparticular “candidate fasteners” that might fulfill the user's request.In other words, the system might not have enough information to find afastener, in inventory, based upon the input image(s) alone. On theother hand, multiple candidate fasteners might be identified, ininventory, based on the sample fastener. Accordingly, interface with theuser by the system may be needed so as to further limit and identifycandidate fasteners—so as to determine a particular fastener selection.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in further detail the “system retrievesfastener from storage and delivers to customer” step 350 of FIG. 3, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. While FIG. 5is a lower level process (of the processing shown in FIG. 3), it isnoted that FIG. 5 depicts relatively high-level processing as comparedto the further details described below.

As shown, the processing of FIG. 5 starts in step 350 passes to step351. In step 351, the system identifies the location that contains theparticular fastener that is desired to be purchased, i.e., the systemidentifies a particular location of the “fastener selection” ininventory. Illustratively, the fastener inventory of an AFS system 10(with further illustrated reference to the system of FIG. 1) might beconstituted by a plurality of hoppers or bins that respectively containthe various fasteners in inventory. After step 351 FIG. 5, the processpasses to step 352.

In step 352, the system dispenses the requested amount of the particularfastener onto a suitable transport mechanism—so as to transport thefastener selection from the particular bin, that contains the fastener,to a point of retrieval by the customer. For example, the point ofretrieval might be constituted by the retrieval tray assembly 140FIG. 1. The suitable transport mechanism might illustratively be in theform of a conveyor belt, chute, or some other transport mechanism. Withregard to the system dispensing the requested amount of the particularfastener, a dispenser assembly might be utilized. In some embodiments ofthe disclosure, each individual type of fastener may be provided with anindividualized dispenser mechanism. On the other hand, in someembodiments of the disclosure, a dispenser mechanism may be utilizedthat selectively engages with the various fasteners in inventory.

After the processing of step 352, the process passes to step 353. Instep 353, the dispensed amount of the requested fastener, i.e. thefastener selection, is transported on the belt or other transportationmechanism to a packaging position, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. Then, processing passes to step 354. Instep 354, a suitable package is prepared for insertion of the fastenerselection. For example, the processing of step 354 might be constitutedby the preparation of a plastic storage bag that is prepared forinsertion of the desired fastener selection. Then, in step 355, therequested fasteners are dropped into the package that has been prepared.Then, in step 356, the package is dropped and/or otherwise transportedto a retrieval place. As noted above, the retrieval place might, forexample, be the retrieval tray assembly 140 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Asuitable label may be printed and placed on the container or provided tothe user for placement on the container,

Accordingly, step 356 reflects that the desired fastener selection hasbeen identified from a sample provided by the user (in conjunction withpossibly other information obtained from the user), mapped to a fastenercandidate(s) in inventory, retrieved from inventory, packaged, anddelivered to the user. All of such processing, in accordance with atleast some embodiments of the disclosure, may be performed in theenvironment of the kiosk—such as that shown in FIG. 1.

After the processing of step 356, the process passes to step 357. Instep 357, the process returns to FIG. 3. Specifically, the processpasses to step 360 FIG. 3.

It is appreciated that various variations of the processing describedabove with reference to FIG. 3 are within the purview of the disclosure.In particular, the processing performed by the system need not “bag” thefastener selection. Rather, in some embodiments of the disclosure, itmay be desirable and/or needed to provide a fastener selectionconstituted by one or more individual fasteners, to the user, in a“loose” manner. The user might then be provided with a suitable bag orbox in which to place the fastener selection. Relatedly, the system mayprovide a suitable label providing a variety of information includingquantity, specifications of the particular fastener(s) in the fastenerselection, SKU (stock keeping unit) information, and purchase priceinformation, for example. In one embodiment of the disclosure, thesystem might print such label for retrieval by the user, and forplacement of the label upon the package (by the user).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a tray compartment 6020 in cross-section, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. While similarto the tray compartment of FIG. 1, the tray compartment 6020 is ofdifferent structure with regard to a top camera, for example.

The tray compartment 6020 of FIG. 6 includes a placement tray 6021. In asimilar manner to the placement tray 121, of FIG. 1, the placement tray6021 includes two opposing sides disposed at an angle. Such structure ofthe opposing sides of the placement tray 6021 provides a V-channel 6021Vin which a sample fastener may be placed, by the user, and stablyretained and seated upon the placement tray 6021. The tray compartment6020 may also include a fastener stop flange 6027, in similar manner tothe fastener stop flange 127 of FIG. 1. The fastener stop flange 6027 isprovided to control a placement position of a sample fastener within theV-channel 6021V. Relatedly, the user may be asked (via the GUI, forexample) to place a sample fastener in the V-channel 6021V and in anabutted position against the fastener stop flange 6027.

The tray compartment 6020 further includes opposing side walls 6022 anda top wall 6023. The top wall may be provided with a window 6023W.Accordingly, in the example of FIG. 6, a camera 6031 may be disposedoutside an interior of the tray compartment 6020. Such positioning andarrangement might be desirable for spatial reasons and/or to protect thecamera 6031. Relatedly, a second camera might be provided as shown inFIG. 6. As an alternative to the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, the secondcamera might also be disposed outside the interior of the traycompartment 6020—with a visual of the interior of the tray compartments6020 via a suitable window. Each of the cameras may be provided with asuitable support structure so as to maintain the cameras in a desiredposition. For example, the camera 6031 may be provided with a bracket6031B. For example, the camera 6030 may be provided with a bracket6030B. The support structure provided to support the cameras may beadjustable so as to adjust position and angle of each of thecameras—though it is envisioned that in the normal routine the cameraswould remain static, in particular for calibration purposes.

FIG. 7 is a further diagram showing a tray compartment or apparatus 7020in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, thetray compartment 7020 includes a cutout (provided in cross-section) toillustrate a fastener 7090 disposed within the tray compartment 7020. Acompartment floor 7021 is provided to support a sample fastener 7090.Opposing sides of the compartment floor 7021 may be disposed at an angleso as to stably support a sample fastener. As a result, a V-channel7021V may be provided as shown in FIG. 7. In the embodiment of FIG. 7,the tray compartment 7020 also includes a top wall 7023 and opposingsidewalls 7022. Further, the tray compartment 7020 includes a back wall7024.

The tray compartment 7020 may be provided with a plurality of cameras toinput different images of a sample fastener disposed within the traycompartment. Accordingly, a back camera 7031 may be provided on the backwall 7024. Further, a top camera 7032 may be provided on the top wall7023. It is appreciated that the position of the different cameras maybe varied so as to effectively input requisite images for successfulprocessing of the images. Further, as is otherwise described herein, theposition and distance of each camera to the compartment floor 7021 maybe determined and calibrated for processing an image of a fastener. Ingeneral, as reflected in box 7020′, cameras may be disposed in fixedposition and distance calibrated based on such fixed position. Also, asreflected in box 6020″, sensors may be utilized to determine if a samplefastener is correctly positioned within the tray compartment 7020. Suchsensors to determine if the sample fastener is correctly positionedmight include range finders and/or lasers, for example.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure in at least oneembodiment, the tray compartment 7020 may be disposed upon and/or insome manner supported by one or more sensors 7060 (supported on asupport structure 7029) to measure the weight of a fastener 7090disposed within the tray compartment 7020. The one or more sensors maybe constituted by a load cell or transducer that generates an electricalsignal based on the force being measured. The sensor may be a straingauge load cell, hydraulic load cell, compression load cell, orpneumatic load cell, for example. The sensor may be in communicationwith a computer processor of the system. Accordingly, the data regardingthe weight of a particular sample fastener may be utilized by thesystem, in addition to image data input by the cameras. The computerprocessor may interface with the user so as to assist in weighing afastener. For example, the computer processor may wait for an accurateweight reading upon sensing that a fastener has been positioned on thescale, i.e. so as to allow the load cell or other sensor to settle outand attain a stabilized weight reading. The user may then receive anindication, via user interface, that the weight of the fastener has beensuccessfully input.

Additionally, the arrangement of the tray compartment 7020 may beprovided with one or more electromagnets 7050. As the electromagnets areenergized in an increasing manner, the resulting force exerted upon afastener disposed in the tray compartment 7020 is increased in aproportional manner Such relationship may be calibrated such that thesystem may determine attributes of a metallic object, e.g. an ironsample fastener (disposed in the tray compartment 7020), based uponattributes of the amount of energy utilized to energize theelectromagnets 7050 vis-à-vis the amount of downpull resulting from theenergization of the electromagnets. In other words, the electromagnets7050 may be utilized in conjunction with a suitable scale or load sensor7060 so as to be able to determine the “weight” of a sample fastenerwith both the electromagnets off and the electromagnets on, as reflectedat 7050′ in FIG. 7.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a scale 6040 may determine the“weight” of the sample fastener with the electromagnets off vis-à-visthe “weight” of the sample fastener with the electromagnets on usingdiffering amounts of energization. Such differential will providefurther data on the electromagnetic properties of the sample fastener.In other words, differing amounts of energy may be applied to theelectromagnets 7050 and the system input data regarding the resultingdiffering amounts of downpull of the tray compartment 7020 (as measuredby a suitable weight sensor or load cell 7060). Relatedly, it isappreciated that the tray compartment 7020 may be constructed of asuitable material so as to minimize the effect that the structure of thetray compartment 7020 has upon implementation of the electromagnets. Forexample, the tray compartment 7020 might be constructed entirely ofplastic so as to not be affected by the energization of theelectromagnets.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing aspects of image data input and processed bythe system, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thedisclosure. Illustratively, the data of FIG. 8 might be input andprocessed by the system 10 of FIG. 1, which includes the camera assembly130A, the camera assembly 130B, and the computer processing portion(CPP) 180. More specifically, FIG. 8 illustratively associates cameras,scales, and/or other input devices utilized in the invention, such as inthe system 10 of FIG. 1, with attributes of a sample fastener that maybe input by such input devices.

Illustratively, as shown at 81, a side camera (such as camera assembly130A of FIG. 1) might be utilized to capture attributes of a samplefastener including shape of head, size of head, OCR markings, andindentations in the sample fastener. OCR markings might includenumerical identifiers observed on the head of a sample fastener, indiciaobserved on the shank of the sample fastener, and/or other indiciaobserved on a particular sample fastener. Indentations observed by thesystem might include a slot, cross, star, or other structure, forexample. For example, a side camera might be utilized to capturestructure of a fastener as shown at 81-1. Such structure may include anOCR marking “H1” disposed upon the head of a fastener. Additionally,such structure might include the overall shape of the head, as well asheight dimensions of the head of the fastener. A side camera might beutilized to capture structure of the fastener as shown at 81-2. Suchstructure may include varying types of screw drives, such as the “star”screw drive shown at 81-2. A diameter attribute of the screw head mightalso be input.

Further illustratively, as shown at 82, either or both cameras mightcapture attributes such as color of the screw as painted or metal.Additionally, spectral data might be input by either or both cameras. Ingeneral, a wide variety of geometrical data might be input by either orboth cameras. Additionally, as described above and otherwise herein, ascale with electromagnet might be utilized to capture attributes of asample fastener. With such components, the weight of a sample fastenermight be determined with and without application of an electromagnetupon the sample fastener. In particular, a scale with electromagnet mayprovide determinations of ferrous versus non-ferrous construct of aparticular fastener. Additionally, color data, spectral data,geometrical data, weight data, and composition data (ferrous versusnon-ferrous) may be utilized in combination so as to deduce attributesof a particular fastener. For example, a combination of data might beutilized to determine the metal type of a particular fastener, be thatzinc, brass, steel, aluminum, etc.

As illustratively shown at 83, the top camera might be utilized to inputvarious information regarding the dimensions of a fastener. For example,a top camera might be utilized to capture structure of a fastener asshown at 83-1. Such structure might include total dimensions of afastener. Also, a top camera might be utilized to capture structure of afastener as shown at 83-2. Such structure might include the length of ashaft of the screw, the diameter of a shaft of a screw, thread length,thread diameter and/or various other attributes. A top camera might beutilized to capture structure of a fastener as shown at 83-3. Suchstructure might include the head geometry of a screw, thread pitch, tipgeometry, and/or various other attributes. Accordingly, as reflected at84, the various data input by the components of the system 10 contributeto input data that is processed by the one or more computer processorsof the system.

It should be appreciated that the various components depicted in FIG. 8and the various attributes illustratively described are for purposes ofillustration in the present disclosure. A wide variety of otherattributes might be input as may be desired. Relatedly, it isappreciated that particular attributes input and utilized may varywidely between different fasteners. For example, attributes input andprocessed for a screw would of course be substantially different thanattributes input and processed for a nut. Various further particularsand attributes of fasteners, in conjunction with processing performed bythe system, are described below.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an AFS system or apparatus 400, inaccordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure. The AFS system400 may be provided with various of the same structure and functionalitydescribed above with reference to the AFS system 10 of FIG. 1. However,the arrangement of the AFS system 400 is different as compared to thearrangement of the AFS system 10. In particular, the AFS system 400might be characterized as including two distinct stations as compared tothe one station of FIG. 1.

The two distinct stations of the AFS system 400, as shown in FIG. 9,include both an order station 410 and a delivery station 420. The orderstation 410, disposed on the right side of FIG. 9, includes a tray 411and a GUI 413. Illustratively, both the tray 411 and the GUI 413 may beof similar structure and functionality to that described above, withreference to FIG. 1. Similarly to the system of FIG. 1, the orderstation 410 may also include suitable cameras such as the camera 412shown in FIG. 9. In the example of FIG. 9, the station/kiosk portion 410is characterized as the “order station” in that such structure housesvarious components and provides functionality relating particularly tothe input of data to identify fasteners in inventory that correspond toa sample fastener placed in the tray 411.

On the other hand, the delivery station 420 as shown in FIG. 9 providesfunctionality and houses various components relating to the physicalinventory of the AFS system 400 as well as the retrieval and delivery ofa fastener selection to the user. Accordingly, in the example of FIG. 9,the inventory of fasteners is housed within one or more of the deliverystations 420. Accordingly, as inventory is increased the number ofdelivery stations 420 (associated with a particular order station 410)and/or the size of the delivery stations 420 may be increased as desiredas reflected at 420′ of FIG. 9. The delivery station 420, of FIG. 9, maybe provided with a fastener drop bin 429 into which a fastener selectionis delivered from inventory. The order station 410 and the deliverystation 420 may be in communication with each other, as well as withother components, using suitable wires and communication devices, forexample. Accordingly, communication and electrical wires 430 are shownin FIG. 9 as providing communication between the order station 410 andthe delivery station 420.

Various aspects of inventory and delivery mechanisms are describedthroughout the present disclosure. Such inventory and deliverymechanisms may be housed, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure, within the delivery station 420. For example, asreflected at 420″, the delivery system (to deliver a fastener selectionfrom inventory within the delivery station 422 to the fastener drop bin429) may include a delivery systems such as is shown in FIG. 10 anddescribed below.

The AFS system 400, including the delivery station 420 and the orderstation 410, may be provided with additional accoutrements related tothe identification of a sample fastener, in accord with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. Accordingly, in the example of FIG. 9, theorder station 410 may be provided with a magnet device 414. Utilizing amagnet device 414, a user may use the magnet device 414 to test thecomposition of the fastener. That is, in one embodiment, a user mayposition a sample fastener in front of the magnet device 414 to test thecomposition of the fastener—and determine if the fastener is magnetic ornot magnetic.

As described throughout the present disclosure, various mechanisms andarrangements may be utilized to store desired inventory in an AFS systemof the invention. Additionally, various mechanisms and arrangements maybe utilized to retrieve such stored inventory and deliver that inventoryto a retrieval location, such as a fastener drop bin 429 of FIG. 9.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure, FIG. 10 isa diagram showing a delivery system or apparatus 500, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing further details of a delivery system 500the same as or similar to the delivery system of FIG. 10, in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 10, the delivery system 500 includes a hopper assembly510 that includes a hopper 511. The hopper 511 provides for storage of adesired fastener. The size of the hopper 511 may vary as desired. Also,it is of course appreciated that numerous hoppers 511 may be provided soas to provide for sufficient storage for inventory. Additionally, thedelivery system 500 includes a belt assembly 530 with a belt 531. Thebelt assembly transports a fastener selection from inventory, i.e. froma hopper assembly 510, to either a location for retrieval by a user orto a location for bagging, for example.

Relatedly, the delivery system 500 includes a bagging assembly 540.Further details of the bagging assembly 540 are shown in FIG. 12, inparticular. The delivery system 500 may include a plurality of storedfastener bags 599, shown in FIG. 10, along with a bag feeding support590.

The various components of the delivery system 500, including a pluralityof hoppers 511, one of more belt assemblies 530, a bagging assembly 540,as well as various other mechanical components may be supportedutilizing a suitable support structure illustrated at 501 in FIG. 10.For example, a construct of a support structure 501 may be constitutedby one or more walls of a kiosk of an AFS system. For example, a backwall of the delivery station 420 of FIG. 9 might be utilized as asupport structure 501, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thedisclosure.

As reflected in FIG. 10 at 500″, various sensors and/or encoders may beused as desired to control mechanisms and processing in the deliverysystem 500 of FIG. 10. Such sensors and/or encoders might be utilized tocontrol dispensing of fasteners from the hopper 511, passage of thefasteners along a delivery mechanism such as belt assembly 530, as wellas operation of the bagging assembly 540. As shown in FIG. 10, thedelivery system 500 may include sensor 521 to provide input regardingthe dispensing of one or more fasteners from the hopper 511.Additionally, the delivery system 500 of FIG. 10 may include one or moresensors 522 and one or more sensors 523 to control transport of afastener selection along delivery mechanisms, such as the belt assembly530 of FIG. 10.

Further, it is appreciated that the systems of the disclosure mayutilize various alternatives to the mechanisms presented in FIG. 10.Further, the particular arrangement and linearity as illustrated in FIG.10 may be varied as desired. For example, instead of a belt assembly, asuitable chute, ramp, chain assembly, and/or other delivery mechanism(s)might be utilized. Further, a chain or series of varied deliverymechanisms might be utilized as may be desired. A particular type ofdelivery mechanism might be suitable for one type of fastener withanother type of delivery mechanism suitable for another type offastener. Likewise, a particular type of hopper or other storage devicemight be suitable for one type of fastener but not for another type offastener. Accordingly, the arrangement, structure, machinery, and othermechanics of the delivery system 500 may be varied as desired with theparticulars of FIG. 10 being illustrative of such delivery system.

As noted above, FIG. 11 is a diagram describing further details of adelivery system 500 the same as or similar to the delivery system ofFIG. 10, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

As noted above, the delivery system 500 includes a hopper assembly 510,a belt assembly 530, and a bagging assembly 540. As described in furtherdetail below, the hopper assembly 510 may include a plurality of hoppermotors 512. In a manner as described below, the plurality of hoppermotors 512 may be controlled by control system so as to selectivelydispense fasteners out of a plurality of hoppers 511 that respectivelycontain the various fasteners in inventory. The hopper 511 as well asthe hopper motors 512 may be supported with suitable support structure.For example, one type of support structure might be support standoff513. However, it is of course appreciated that a wide variety of supportstructure and arrangements might be utilized.

As described above, a suitable sensor 521 might be utilized to sense andallow control of fasteners dispensed from the hopper 511. As reflectedat 1101, sensors may also include sonar or light sensors, for example.Such sensors may detect activity along a particular line and/or in aparticular area of the delivery system 500. For example, the sensor 521might be in the form of a light sensor that detects activity along asensor line 521′. Such activity might be constituted by one or morefasteners passing from the hopper 511 onto the belt 531. Sensor 522 maybe provided to detect activity along a sensor line 522′. Sensor 523 maybe provided to detect activity along a sensor line 523′.

As shown in FIG. 11, the belt assembly 530 may include variousmechanisms to drive the belt in conjunction with the various inputreceived from the one or more sensors 522, 523. As shown, the beltassembly 530 may include an aft belt support/drive 537 that includesstructure that supports and drives an aft belt roller 532. The beltassembly 530 may further include a fore belt support/drive 538 thatincludes structure that supports and drives a fore belt roller 533. Inturn, the aft belt roller 532 and the fore belt roller 533 serve tosupport the belt 531.

FIG. 11 also shows bagging assembly 540. Further details of the baggingassembly 540 are described below with reference to FIG. 12. As shown inFIG. 11, in this example of the disclosure, the bagging assembly 540serves to receive a fastener selection, bag the fastener selection in asuitable container such as a plastic bag, and deliver that bag fastenerselection to a pickup location, such as a fastener drop bin 429′ asshown in FIG. 11. Various further details of such machinery andprocessing are described below.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing further features of a bagging assembly 540,in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown,the bagging assembly 540 is disposed proximate to a terminal end of belt531, i.e. proximate to fore belt roller 533.

FIG. 12 shows an arrangement including machinery and processing toprovide a plurality of stored fastener bags 599, retrieve a fastener bagas needed, manipulate the fastener bag so as to receive a fastenerselection, seal the fastener bag if desired, and deposit the bag withfastener selection contained therein into the fastener drop bin 429. Thearrangement of FIG. 12 utilizes vacuum technology and robotic armconstruct so as to perform the processing relating to such bagging of afastener selection. It is appreciated that the systems and methods ofthe disclosure are not limited to the particular arrangement as shown inFIG. 12. Various other arrangements, machinery, and/or methodology maybe utilized so as to perform desired bagging and containment of afastener selection. Additionally, it is appreciated that in someembodiments of the disclosure, it may not be the case that a fastenerselection is bagged or boxed, for example, at all. Rather, with somearrangements, it may be desired (in construct of a fastener system) tosimply provide a fastener selection to a user in a “loose” manner.

Accordingly, while the disclosure is not limited to the particulararrangement as shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 12 provides one illustrativearrangement to afford the functionality described. The bagging assembly540 includes a linear motion box assembly 550 that is illustrativelysupported by standoff supports 505 and 506. A transverse motion boxassembly 560 is moved along a length of the linear motion box assembly550 utilizing a linear drive motor 559. The linear drive motor 559 mayinclude a motor module as shown. Such movement of the transverse motionbox assembly 560 may be performed with mechanics as described below withreference to FIG. 13.

The bagging assembly 540 further includes a vacuum box support armassembly 570. The vacuum box support arm assembly 570 is transverselymoved relative to the box assembly 560 utilizing a transverse drivemotor 569. The transverse drive motor 569 may include a motor module asshown.

The assembly 550, the assembly 560, and the assembly 570 collectivelyserve to provide movement to and support what is characterized as anouter vacuum box 580′. Further details are described below withreference to FIG. 14A, for example. In this illustrative example inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure, the outervacuum box 580′ is initially positioned adjacent and against one of thestored fastener bags 599. A vacuum is applied so as to secure theadjacent fastener bag to the outer vacuum box 580′. The outer vacuum box580′ is then manipulated, by the bagging assembly 540, so as to bedisposed adjacent to an additional vacuum box. More specifically, theadditional vacuum box is characterized as the inner vacuum box 580 isshown in FIG. 12. The inner vacuum box 580 may be supported by suitablestandoff support structures 503, 504. Various further details aredescribed below.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 12 alongline 13 as shown in FIG. 12, in accordance with at least one embodimentof the disclosure. It is appreciated that the dimensions of the variouscomponents of the delivery system 500 may be varied as desired.Relatedly, is appreciated that relative dimensions of the variouscomponents of the delivery system 500 may be varied as desired.

In particular, FIG. 13 shows internal details of the linear motion boxassembly 550. FIG. 13 also shows various other internal details of thebagging assembly 540. The linear motion box assembly 550, as shown inFIG. 13 and in FIG. 12, includes a housing structure 551. The housingstructure might be constructed of various materials as desired, such asmetal and/or plastic, for example. The housing structure includes abottom 551B and a top 551T. The housing structure may also include aside 5515. The various portions of the housing structure 551 serve tosupport various components housed within the housing structure 55. Asreflected at 1301, the dimensions of components may vary as desired—inparticular with reference to the assembly 550, the length of theassembly 550 may vary as desired.

The interior components of the assembly 550 provides functionality toprovide movement of the transverse motion box assembly along a length ofthe housing structure top 551T. Relatedly, disposed along a length ofthe housing structure top 551T, is a top slide slot 558. The top slideslot 558 accommodates a connecting flange 566 that is fixedly associatedwith the transverse motion box assembly 560. The transverse motion boxassembly 560 is moved along a length of the assembly 550, in the exampleof FIG. 13, utilizing a belt arrangement. The connecting flange 566 isconnected to a flange-belt connector 565. As shown, the flange-beltconnector 565 is in turn connected to the drive belt 552.

The drive belt 552 may be supported and driven utilizing the pulleyarrangement of FIG. 13. The pulley arrangement may include a drivenpulley 553A. The driven pulley 553A may be driven by the linear drivemotor 559 through a suitable driveshaft arrangement. Opposing ends ofthe drive belt 552 may be supported by pulley 553D and pulley 553E.Further, suitable idler gears 553B and 553C, may be utilized to “takeup” any slack in the drive belt 552. Accordingly, as the drive belt 552is motorized by the driven pulley 5538, such movement serves to move theflange-belt connector 565, which is in turn connected to the connectingflange 566, which is in turn connected to the transverse motion boxassembly 560. In particular, movement of the assembly 560 is providedalong the top slide slot 558. Such movement may be assisted throughusing suitable slide pads 567. The slide pads 567 may be constructed ofany suitable material such as nylon, for example. For example, the slidepads 567 may be fixedly supported upon a bottom surface of the assembly560 (on opposing sides of the top slide slot 558) so as to assistsliding of the assembly 560 along the length of the linear motion boxassembly 550. It is appreciated that in the various connections of thebagging assembly 540, suitable mechanical arrangements may be providedso as to not allow movement between connected components or to allowlimited movement between connected components. For example, ball andsocket arrangements might be utilized as desired.

FIG. 13 also shows a cross-section of the transverse motion box assembly560. The purpose of the assembly 560 is to provide movement to thevacuum box support arm assembly 570. In similar manner to thearrangement of the assembly 550, the assembly 560, may include a drivebelt 562 operationally disposed upon a pulley arrangement includingpulley 563E. Such a pulley arrangement, as well as other componentswithin the assembly 560 may be supported by side walls 560S of thetransverse motion box assembly 560. The drive belt 562, disposed uponthe suitable pulley arrangement with pulley 563E, may be driven by thetransverse drive motor 569. In similar manner to the arrangement of theassembly 550, movement of the drive belt 562 results in movement of aconnected flange-belt connector 575. The flange-belt connector 575 is inturn connected to a connecting flange 576. The connecting flange 576 isin turn connected to the vacuum box support arm assembly 570. An endwall 571E is shown in FIG. 13. In a similar manner to slide pads 567assisting with movement of the assembly 560 along the length of theassembly 550, slide pads 577 may assist with movement of the vacuum boxsupport arm assembly 570 along a length of the assembly 560. Operationand related movement of the various components of the bagging assembly5401 is described further below, and in particular with reference toFIGS. 36-44.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a vacuum box 580, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the disclosure. Such vacuum box 580 may bethe same as or similar to the vacuum box shown in FIG. 12, for example.The vacuum box 580 includes vacuum holes 581. Also, the vacuum box 580may be provided with a heat strip 582, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. The heat strip 582 provides heat to “heatseal” plastic bags, as may be desired. The vacuum box 580 may besupported by appropriate support structure such as the standoff 503shown in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view along line 14B of FIG. 14A, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 14Bshows a wall structure 589 of the vacuum box 580. In particular, FIG.14B shows a hollow interior of the vacuum box 580.

FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view along line 14C of FIG. 14A, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 14C alsoshows a hollow interior of the vacuum box 580 provided by wall structure589. In operation, vacuum is applied to the interior volume of thevacuum box 580. As result, such vacuum is created within the vacuumholes 581. In turn, the arrangement including the vacuum bags 581 may beutilized to removably and selectively secure a plastic bag or othercontainer to the vacuum box 580. The vacuum created within the vacuumbox 580 may be created utilizing a vacuum tube 588. The vacuum tube 588is in turn connected to an apparatus, i.e. a suction machine, to createa desired vacuum within the vacuum tube 588. Accordingly, a desiredvacuum is created within the vacuum tube 588, which in turn creates avacuum within the vacuum box 580, which in turn creates suction at thevacuum holes 581, which in turn creates a suction affect—so as toremovably and selectively secure a container upon the vacuum box 580.Illustratively, such operation is shown in FIG. 40 described below. FIG.14C also illustrates that heat strip wire 583 may be connected to a heatstrip 582 so as to power (and heat) the heat strip 582. As shown, in oneexample, the heat strip wire 583 might be positioned within the vacuumtube 588 so as to protect the heat strip wire 583 and route the heatstrip wire 583 to a suitable power source, in conjunction with routingthe vacuum tube 588 to a suitable vacuum source/apparatus.

In lieu of use of individual bags as described above, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the disclosure, bag stock (to form bags tohold fasteners) may be provided in a “roll” arrangement. That is,two-ply plastic stock, heat sealed on both sides, may be parsed out topredetermined length and cut to the desired size. A bottom of the parsedout bag may be heat sealed initially—i.e. to seal a “bottom” of suchbag. After insertion of fastener, the top of the bag may then be sealed.

FIG. 15 is a top view showing a hopper assembly 510, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the disclosure. The hopper assembly 510 mightbe the same as or similar to the hopper assembly shown in FIG. 10. Thehopper assembly 510 includes hopper 511.

FIG. 15 shows further details of illustrative structure of the hopperassembly 510. In operation, the hopper 511 may be stocked with afastener, of a particular type, that serves to provide “inventory” foran AFS system 400. For example, the hopper assembly 510 may be housedwithin an AFS system such as that shown in FIG. 9. Construct of thehopper assembly 510 includes a pair of auger gears 517, in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Each of the auger gears517 may be respectively powered by one or more hopper motors 512. Theparticular arrangement of powering the auger gears 517, including theparticular drive-train utilized and the particular arrangement of themotors may be varied as desired. In operation, the auger gears 517 areoperated in unison with each other so as to “intake” fasteners disposedwithin the hopper 511. The gears 517 might be constructed of any of awide variety of materials as is dependent upon what is determined towork well with a particular fastener. Also, the gears 517 might beconstructed in any of a wide variety of shapes as is dependent upon whatis determined to work well with a particular fastener. To explainillustratively, the construct of a pair of auger gears 517 to dispensenuts may be different then construct of a pair of auger gears 517 todispense screws. In accordance with embodiments, the auger gears 517might be constructed of a plastic or rubber material, for example.

As shown in FIG. 16, a drivetrain between the driven gears 517 and oneor more hopper motors 512 may simply be in the form of a shaft 514. Awide variety of gear arrangements may be utilized as desired, so as toadjust gearing ratio between one or more hopper motors 512 and thedriven auger gear 517.

The hopper 511, as shown, may be in the general shape of a funnel.However, such particular shape is not limiting and systems and methodsof the disclosure may include other shapes. However, the shape andarrangement of a hopper 511 or similar structure may best provide fortransport of a stored fastener to the auger gears 517—be that throughthe force of gravity or otherwise. Relatedly, the hopper assembly 510may include one or more cover shelves 516. The cover shows 516 may beconstructed, angled, positioned, and or otherwise arranged to bothenhance movement of fasteners (within the hopper 511) toward the augergears 517 hand in hand with preventing “stray” fasteners from accessingundesirable locations of the hopper assembly 510. In other words, forexample, the cover shelves 516 may be provided to prevent fastenersinjuring operation of the hopper assembly 510 by falling outside of theauger gears 517.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a hopper assembly 510 along line16-16 of FIG. 15, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thedisclosure. As shown, the hopper assembly 510 includes hopper 511. FIG.16 further illustrates an auger gear 517. As shown, auger gear 517 issupported upon and driven by a drive shaft 514. In turn, the drive shaft514, is driven by one or more motors 512. The drive shaft 514 may besupported in a desired position by suitable bearings or other supportstructure. Such bearings or other support structure may be provided byside support 518, as shown in FIG. 16, by sidewalls of the hopper 511,or in some other manner. As described above, the hopper assembly 510 maybe provided with suitable cover shelves 516. The cover shelves 516 maybe constructed, positioned, angled, or otherwise arranged in a manner asdesired. In particular, as noted above, the cover shelves 516 or similararrangement prevents one or more fasteners (stored within the hopper511) from undesirably accessing operational portions of the hopperassembly 510, i.e. so as to result in possible shutdown of a hopperassembly 510.

In operation, as is also described above, fastener(s) stored within thehopper 511 are effectively “sucked” in by opposing rotational movementof the auger gears 517. Control systems and/or sensors may be utilizedto control dispensing of fasteners. For example, as sensor 521 (of FIG.11) detects that a desired number of fasteners has been dispensed(through hopper opening 519) by rotation of the auger gears 517, thenrotation of the auger gears 517 is stopped.

FIG. 17 is a top view showing a hopper assembly 510 the same as orsimilar to the hopper assembly of FIG. 15, in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the hopper assembly 510includes hopper 511. The hopper assembly 510 also includes hopper motors512. FIG. 17 also shows further details of the internal arrangement ofthe hopper assembly 510, including showing side supports 518 andportions of driveshaft 514 (in phantom).

FIG. 18 is a further perspective view of a hopper assembly 510B, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The hopperassembly 510B includes hopper 511B. In a manner similar to thearrangement of FIG. 15, the hopper assembly 510B may be provided with adispensing arrangement such as auger gears or other dispensingmechanisms. Such dispensing mechanism may be driven by one or moredriveshafts 514B or driven in some other suitable manner FIG. 18 furthershows that suitable support structure may be utilized to support thehopper 511B, the drive shafts 514B and/or the hopper motors 512B. Inparticular, such support structure may include motor brackets 512B,respectively, that may be connected directly or indirectly to a furthersupport structure, such as the support structure 501 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing further details of a delivery system 500the same as or similar to the system of FIG. 10. In particular, FIG. 19shows various aspects of control of the delivery system 500.Accordingly, the delivery system 500 includes a control portion orapparatus 600. In particular, the control portion 600 may include acentral processing portion (CPP). Further details of the control portion600 are shown in FIG. 20.

As described in detail below, the control portion 600 inputs a widevariety of data associated with various operations and phases of an AFSsystem of the disclosure. In particular, the control portion inputsvarious data regarding attributes of a particular fastener desired by auser. Such data might be input from images obtained from a samplefastener provided by the user. Such data may also be input throughinterface with a user. Accordingly, FIG. 19 shows a control portion 600that may be connected to one or more cameras 412. Also, control portion600 may be connected to a suitable GUI 200. In various embodiments ofthe disclosure, the GUI 200 is disposed upon an AFS system structure,such as in the form of a kiosk. However, interface with a user mightadditionally or alternatively be performed over a network. That is, asdescribed further below, an AFS system 400 with delivery system 500might indeed be disposed a geographically different location than a GUI200, which in turn interfaces with a user, i.e. a GUI on a user devicesuch as a cell phone.

In general, the control portion 600 may be in communication with thevarious components of an AFS system of the disclosure including deliverysystem 500 of the disclosure. Accordingly, communication and/or energizelines 603 may be provided between the control portion 600 and the motorsand/or sensors that control operation of one or more hoppers 511 orother inventory storage arrangements. Communication and/or energizelines 603 may be provided between the control portion 600 and the motorsand/or sensors that control operation of the belt assembly 530.Communication and/or energize lines 603 may be provided between thecontrol portion 600 and the motors and/or sensors that control operationof the bagging assembly 540.

Communication and/or energize lines 603 may be provided between thecontrol portion 600 and the motors and/or sensors the control operationof a vacuum control device 601, as shown in FIG. 19. As described infurther detail below, the vacuum control device 601 (of the controlportion 600) may be controlled—so as to in turn control operation of thevacuum boxes 580, 580′. Relatedly, vacuum lines 601-1, 601-2 may beprovided between the vacuum controlled by 601 and the vacuum boxes 580,580′.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing details of the control portion 600 ofFIG. 19, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.Such control portion 600 may be constituted by an AFS (automatedfastener selection) CPP (central processing portion).

The CPP 600, as shown, includes a variety of processing portions anddatabases for various operations of the system. Such CPP 600illustratively includes a main processor portion 610. The main processorportion 610 controls various general operations of the AFS system nototherwise controlled by more specialized processing portions, asdescribed herein. For example, the main processor portion 610 mightcontrol powering of the various components in the AFS system and a widevariety of other general functions and operations. The CPP 600 includesfastener criteria-identification portion 620. The fastenercriteria-identification portion 620 performs the various operationsdescribed herein relating to fastener identification. Accordingly, thefastener criteria-identification portion 620 may control processing ofinput images from a sample fastener provided in a tray 411, for example(with reference to the AFS system 400 of FIG. 9). The portion 620 mightcontrol overall operations of one or more cameras utilized to input suchimages. The portion 620 may perform various processing related to inputof data from a GUI of an AFS system of the disclosure.

The AFS 600 also includes a fastener retrieval control portion 630. Thefastener retrieval control portion 630 performs various operationsdescribed herein related to retrieval of a fastener selection frominventory—in delivery of the fastener selection to a user. Furtherdetails are described below.

Additionally, the CPP 600 includes a communication portion 650. Thecommunication portion 650 may perform various processing related tooperation of a GUI, such as GUI 200 disposed upon AFS system 10 ofFIG. 1. Such operation of a GUI, such as the GUI 200 of FIG. 1, includesboth the generation and presentation of data that is presented to auser, as well as the input of data, which is input from a userinterfacing with the GUI. The communication portion 650 may also includea variety of communications performed over networks to which the CPP 600is connected. For example, the CPP may access third-party resourcesand/or databases for a variety of purposes. For example, access to thirdparty resources and/or databases might be performed to determineinventory of fasteners, restocking of fasteners, available fasteners,and/or for other purposes. Additionally, the CPP 600 includes database690. As is described in detail below, the database 690 includes avariety of data generated by the CPP 600 and used by the CPP 600.

The fastener retrieval control portion 630 includes a variety ofcomponents. A hopper motor control portion 631 controls operation of oneor more hopper motors. The belt motor control portion 632 controlsoperation of a belt assembly or other arrangement provided to transporta fastener selection from inventory to a delivery point. A baggercontrol portion 633 controls various operations of a bagging assembly,such as bagging assembly 540 of FIG. 11. Relatedly, the fastenerretrieval control portion 630 includes a vacuum control portion 635.Illustratively, the vacuum control portion 635 includes a static vacuumblock control portion 635, which controls operation of vacuum 580 shownin FIG. 19. Further, the vacuum control portion 635 includes a movingvacuum block control portion 635M, which controls operation of vacuum580′ shown in FIG. 19.

Additionally, the fastener retrieval control portion 630 may include asensor processing portion 640. The sensor processing portion 640processes and/or prepares data for utilization of that data by thevarious control portions. The sensor processing portion 640 may includea belt receiving sensor portion 641 that identifies a quantity offasteners, as such fasteners are dispensed from a hopper or otherinventory storage mechanism. A belt sensor portion 642 may be utilizedto input data from one or more sensors disposed about a belt assembly,such as the belt assembly 530 FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 shows an illustrative GUI 700 reflecting various processingperformed by the AFS system, in accordance with at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The GUI 700 includes various “buttons” that aregenerated and displayed for user selection.

The GUI 700 includes button 701. Button 701 is provided to input dataregarding whether or not a user possesses a sample fastener. Button 701also includes indicia instructing a user to place a sample fastener in atray of a kiosk, such as the tray 121 of FIG. 1. Upon a user tapping thebutton 701, step 830 of FIG. 22 is invoked by the CPP 600, i.e. by theCPP 600 as illustratively shown and depicted in FIGS. 19 and 20.

The GUI 700 includes button 702, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. Button 702 is provided to input dataregarding if the user wishes to enter or change a particular type offastener. Upon the user tapping the button 702, step 840 of FIG. 22 isinvoked by the CPP 600.

The GUI 700 also includes button 703, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. Button 703 is provided to enter or changedata regarding a fastener head type of a particular fastener. Upon theuser tapping the button 703, step 850 of FIG. 22 is invoked.

The GUI 700 of FIG. 21 also includes button 704, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure. The button 704 is provided toinput data regarding if the user wishes to enter or change a particularlength of a desired fastener. Upon the user tapping the button 704, step860 of FIG. 22 is invoked by the CPP 600.

The GUI 700 of FIG. 21 also includes button 705, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure. The button 705 is provided toinput data regarding if the user wishes to enter or change a thread sizeof a particular fastener. Upon the user tapping the button 705, step 870of FIG. 22 is invoked by the CPP 600.

Additionally, the GUI 700 includes button 706, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure. The button 706 reflects ageneral button that might be provided in the GUI 700 so is to invokevarious additional options. For example, the button 706 might be tappedto also display related parts that are associated with a particularfastener, i.e. a particular sample fastener, for example. Such might beconstituted by nuts that are complementary to a particular screwfastener being requested by the user.

Additionally, the GUI 700 includes a fastener “specs” window 707, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The window707 provides a display of data, generated by the CPP 600, based on theCPP's current “understanding” of the particular fastener desired by theuser—based on data input by the system. Accordingly, upon a user placinga sample fastener in the placement tray 121 of FIG. 1, the CPP 600determines the identity and attributes of such sample fastener in manneras described throughout this disclosure. Various of those attributes maybe displayed via the window 707. It is appreciated that it may well notbe the case that all attributes understood by the CPP 600 is displayedin the window 707. Rather, it may be desired to simply displaysufficient data/information to convey to the user, at a kiosk forexample, attributes of a particular fastener as currently understood bythe system. In the example of FIG. 21, details of the fastener ascurrently understood by the system are listed as a screw, with flathead, length of 1.5 inches, with a 6-32 inch thread size.Illustratively, through processing as described below, a user might optto change the length of the desired fastener. Such operation might beperformed via the user tapping the button 704, as noted above. As aresult, after such processing, window 707 would be updated to displaythe updated desired length of the fastener.

Further, FIG. 21 includes button 708, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. Button 708 is provided to determine if theuser is done with his selection of a particular fastener. Upon the usertapping the button 708, the processing of step 880 of FIG. 22 isinvoked.

Lastly, the GUI 700 includes button 709, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. Button 709 is provided to provide the userwith the option to start over with a particular selection of a fastener.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure, the userinterface, such as the GUI 700 of FIG. 21, is disposed in a retailenvironment in which a user or customer may physically retrieve afastener selected. However, in other embodiments, interface between aprocessor of the disclosure (e.g. fastener retrieval control portion630) and a user may be performed over a network—with the user utilizinga suitable user device, such as a cell phone, smartphone, tablet, othersmart device, computer, or laptop, for example. A selected item may thenbe physically made available to the user via pick-up at a particularlocation or via delivery service, for example. Such a user, interfacingwith the fastener retrieval system or apparatus of the disclosure, mayremotely input images of a particular fastener desired—so thatprocessing described herein may be used to process the images. Size of afastener may be calibrated (by a fastener retrieval system) by the userplacing an item of known size, e.g. a penny, next to the fastener. Thefastener retrieval system interfacing with a user remotely may requestthe user to weigh the particular fastener, so that the fastenerretrieval system may use such data in determining the identity of arequested fastener. Further, even in the scenario in which the user isin a physical retail environment, if a particular fastener is notavailable in that location—a delivery or pick-up option may be offeredfor a desired fastener.

Related to the GUI 700 FIG. 21, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing furtherprocessing performed by a CPP 600, in at least one embodiment of thedisclosure. As reflected at 800, system (CPP) processing is performed asillustrated. The various processing depicted in FIG. 22 is variouslydepicted in a linear manner from top to bottom. However, such linearityis not to be interpreted as limiting to the disclosure. Rather, thevarious processing as depicted in FIG. 22 may be performed in anon-ordered manner as invoked by other processes of the system and/or asinvoked by the user interface.

In the processing of step 810, the CPP maintains the GUI of the kioskand interfaces with the user in ways and manners as described throughoutthis disclosure. Accordingly, for example, the processing performed instep 810 of FIG. 22 includes the generation of the GUI of FIG. 21, thedisplay of data associated with the GUI of FIG. 21, and the input ofdata from a user from the GUI of FIG. 21.

In the processing of step 820, the CPP 600 invokes sub-processes ascalled upon by GUI input that is inputted via the GUI 700 of FIG. 21.Specifically, in step 830 of FIG. 22, the CPP performs processing of asample fastener (SF). Various further details are described below withreference to FIG. 23.

In the processing of step 840, the CPP performs processing toenter/change a type of fastener. Further details are described belowwith reference to FIG. 27. In the processing of step 850, the CPPperforms processing to enter/change a fastener head type. Furtherdetails are described below with reference to FIG. 28. In the processingof step 860, the CPP performs processing to enter/change a length offastener. Further details are described below with reference to FIG. 29.In the processing of step 870, the CPP performs processing toenter/change a thread size of a particular fastener. Further details aredescribed below with reference to FIG. 30.

Lastly, in the processing of step 880, the CPP performs processing to“fetch” the requested fastener. In other words, the CPP performsprocessing to retrieve a fastener selection from inventory, performinterim processing such as “bagging” the fastener selection, and deliverthe fastener to a suitable pickup point for pickup by the user. Furtherdetails are described below with reference to FIG. 33.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing further details of the processing “CPPperforms processing of sample fastener” step 830 of FIG. 22, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. As describedabove, the processing of step 830 is invoked by a user by tapping button701 (GUI of FIG. 21)—so as to invoke the processing of step 830 (FIG. 22and FIG. 23).

As shown in FIG. 23, once the processing of step 830 is invoked,processing passes to step 832. In step 832, the CPP interfaces with theuser via GUI to prompt the user to place a sample fastener in a tray ofthe stationary kiosk, such as the placement tray 121 of FIG. 1.Accordingly, the processing of step 832 may include the generation anddisplay of suitable indicia on the GUI, such as “please place fastenerin tray.” After the processing of step 832, the process passes to step833. In step 833, the CPP waits for the sample fastener to be positionedin the tray. Relatedly, in step 833′, the CPP determines whether or nota sample fastener was indeed positioned in the tray of the kiosk, forexample. The processing of step 833′ may include the utilization of apredetermined wait time, such as 30 seconds for example. If a nodetermination is generated in the processing of step 833′, then theprocess may simply return to step 832.

Alternatively, in the normal course, a yes determination may be securedin the processing of step 833′—indicating that a sample fastener wasindeed positioned in the tray by user. Accordingly, the process passesto step 834. In step 834, the CPP determines whether or not the fastenerwas correctly positioned in the tray. Such determination may bedetermined using various processing as described herein. For example,suitable sensors may be utilized to determine if a fastener wascorrectly positioned in the tray, as reflected at 1701 of FIG. 23. Ifthe determination of step 834 is no, i.e. a sample fastener was notcorrectly positioned in the tray, the processing passes to step 835.

In step 835, the CPP displays a message to the user via the GUI, withcontent such as please correct placement of fastener in the tray. Afterthe processing of step 835, the process passes again to step 832.Processing is then performed as described above.

If the determination of step 834 is yes, i.e. a sample fastener wascorrectly positioned in the tray, the processing passes to step 836. Instep 836, the CPP inputs image data from the sample fastener, in a traysuch as tray 121 of FIG. 1, from one or more cameras. Once the imagedata is input in step 836, the process passes to step 837. In step 837,the CPP processes data input from the camera images to generate imageinput fastener data. Such data is characterized herein as “IIF” data, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Variousfurther details of the processing of image input fastener data aredescribed below with reference to FIG. 24. After the processing of step837, the processing passes to step 900.

In step 900, the CPP processes various aggregated data that has beenreceived by the CPP relating to the particular sample fastener. Forexample, the processing of aggregated data may include resolvingconflicts between newly input data vis-à-vis prior input data; and/ordetermining if a matching fastener or fasteners are in stock/inventory.Such processing might include both whether a desired fastener isavailable at the particular physical kiosk (with which the user isinterfacing) and/or whether a desired fastener is available at adifferent geographical location or available by order, for example.Further, such processing might include the generation of display datafor output to a GUI of the kiosk. Such processing relates, inparticular, to the fastener specs window 707 as shown in FIG. 21.Various further details of the processing of step 900 are describedbelow with reference to FIG. 31.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing in further detail the processing “CPPprocesses data input from cameras to generate image input fastener (IIF)data” step 837 of FIG. 23, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. Such processing is initiated at step 837 and passes tostep 837-1. In step 837-1, the first camera image is retrieved. Forexample, a first camera image might be retrieved from camera assembly130A as shown in FIG. 1 in the kiosk of FIG. 1. Then, in step 837-2, asecond camera image is retrieved. For example, the second camera imagemight be retrieved from a camera assembly 130B as shown in FIG. 1. Then,the processing passes to step 837-3.

In step 837-3 the CPP determines raw attributes of the particular samplefastener (SF) including, for example number of crests of the SF, numberof roots, length of the threaded portion, length of non-threadedportion, length of head, diameter of head, configuration of head,overall length of SF, minor diameter of threaded portion of SF, and/ormajor diameter of threaded portion of the SF, for example. Variousassociated processing (associated with the processing of step 837-3) isperformed as reflected at 837-3′ in FIG. 24. In particular, furtherdetails of such processing are described below with reference to FIG. 25regarding example fastener structure. Additionally, FIG. 8 and therelated disclosure herein describes various attributes of a fastenerthat might be utilized in the processing of step 837-3.

After the processing of step 837-3, the process passes to step 837-4. Instep 837-4, the CPP determines what is characterized as calculatedattributes of a sample fastener including, for example, thread size ofthe sample fastener and length of the sample fastener, in particular. Asreflected at 837-4′, the CPP may determine attributes of a samplefastener based on color deltas, e.g. roots/crests against a differentcolor background along a line parallel to fastener, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the disclosure. Further details are describedbelow with reference to FIG. 26. As reflected at 837-4″ the CPP maydetermine dimensions of a SF based on triangulation of images frommultiple cameras. Further details are described below with reference toFIG. 26.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing example fastener structure, which may beutilized in conjunction with the various processing, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the disclosure. Illustratively, FIG. 25 showsa fastener 2500. The illustrative fastener 2500, in this example,includes a flat head. Other attributes of the example fastener 2500includes thread angle, a “root” attribute of the threads, a “crest”attribute of the threads, and length of the fastener. It is appreciatedthat the AFS system of the disclosure may utilize various attributesrelating to length, including length of a threaded portion of aparticular fastener, length of a shank portion, and/or overall length ofthe total fastener. A further attribute that may be utilized by the AFSsystem of the disclosure includes thread pitch, in particular as suchrelates to a metric fastener. Further attributes include minor diameterand major diameter. A further attribute that may be utilized for the AFSsystem of the disclosure is a threads per inch (TPI) attribute. Suchindicates a count of the number of threads per inch along a length ofthe fastener. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing features of processing ofattributes of a sample fastener, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. As referenced above, FIG. 26 showsfeatures of the CPP 600 determining attributes of a sample fastenerbased on such characteristics of color deltas—as such processing isperformed in step 837-4 of FIG. 24.

In the example of FIG. 26, the fastener 2699 has been placed in asuitable tray, such as placement tray 121 as shown in the kiosk of FIG.1 or tray 411 as shown in the kiosk of FIG. 9, for example. Inparticular, the image shown in FIG. 26 may be obtained from a topcamera, i.e. disposed over the sample fastener in a placement tray, in akiosk. In a manner as described above, the sample fastener 2699 isplaced on a tray “V-line” 2602 (such as that formed by a V-channel 7021Vof FIG. 7). Such placement and “seating” of the fastener 2699 on theV-line 2602 provides stable positioning of the sample fastener 2699 andprevents rolling of the sample fastener 2699. To further assist inpositioning of the sample fastener 2699, the fastener 2699 may beabutted against a stop flange 2601 (akin to the fastener stop flange 127shown in FIG. 1, for example). In the processing as illustrated in FIG.26, an X-Y coordinate system might be utilized. However, any suitablecoordinate system might be utilized.

In accord with one aspect of processing of the invention, in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure, (as reflected at 2600′of FIG. 26) the CPP identifies modulation of colors along aperpendicular line 2604 along one side of a fastener, for example.Illustratively, the fastener might be the screw is depicted in FIG. 26.Identification of modulation of colors might utilize the red green blue(RGB) color scheme or some other suitable color scheme. For example,processing of the invention might include the CPP starting at a centralline extending along and in parallel to line 2602. The CPP mayprogressively analyze color modulation in sequence (in a line)progressing outward from the line 2602. At that point, the CPP willidentify that modulation of the colors satisfies particulars criteria.In the example of FIG. 26, satisfaction of this criteria is obtained bythe CPP progressing outward (in analyzing parallel lines) until the CPPreaches line 2604. For example, the criteria might be constituted by asufficient differential in modulation. Further, the criteria might bedependent upon the CPP recognizing a sufficient quantity of pixels ofwhich the CPP knows is the color of the placement tray. In the exampleof FIG. 26, any pixel with RGB color=255,255,255 (white) is known to bethe tray, i.e. background. On the other hand, any pixel with RGBcolor=253,61,23 may be identified to be steel, for example. In oneexample, the CPP may search for a line (such as line 2601) that exhibitsthe properties of having a substantially equal number of pixels that theCPP associates with the background, i.e. tray, as compared to a numberof pixels associated with another RGB color. In the processing, theanother RGB color is understood by the CPP to constitute the samplefastener—in this case the fastener 2699.

The processing illustrated in FIG. 26 may be performed utilizing acomputer image of the sample fastener superimposed against a pixelated(x,y) grid backdrop 2650 (as reflected at 2610 of FIG. 26). It isappreciated that the described determination of modulation of colorsalong a line, be such line perpendicular to the tray “V” line 2602 ornot perpendicular, may be performed in various ways. For example, onlyintermittent pixels of predetermined periodicity might be analyzed untilthe CPP (moving outward from the center) attains a line 2604 thatsatisfies predetermined criteria. Such processing allows the CPP to workin a more efficient and effective manner.

In the example of FIG. 26, various pixels are shown includingcoordinates of such pixels and RGB value determined (by the CPP) of suchpixels. The pixels include 2621, 2622, 2631, 2632, 2633. In the example,pixels 2621 and 2622 represent pixels identified by the CPP asassociated with the sample fastener. On the other hand, pixels 2631,2632, 2633 represent pixels identified and known by the CPP isassociated with the tray color. Accordingly, the grid backdrop 2650, assuperimposed by an image of the sample fastener upon the tray of akiosk, may be analyzed in various ways. In particular, the RGB colorthat is determined to belong to the sample fastener may be comparedagainst a database of colors (and candidate fasteners associated withsuch colors) to identify the sample fastener. For example, if the RGBcolor of a sample fastener is determined by the CPP to be 253, 61, 23then the CPP then compares that particular RGB color with samplefasteners in memory, i.e. in one or more data records associated withthe CPP. If a sufficient match is determined, then the CPP concludesthat attribute of the sample fastener has been identified. It isappreciated that various thresholds might be utilized such as amatch—determined to be found—if the variance between the RGB componentsis +/−10, for example. Such thresholds and accepted variance may ofcourse be changed and/or modified based on particulars of implementationof the invention.

Further details of determining a match between a sample fastener and acandidate fastener are described below with reference to FIG. 32.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing further details of “processing isperformed to enter/change type of fastener” step 840 of FIG. 22, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. As describedabove, the processing of step 840 is invoked by a user by tapping button702 (GUI of FIG. 21)—so as to invoke the processing of step 840 (FIG. 22and FIG. 23).

The processing of FIG. 27 starts in step 840 and passes to step 841. Instep 841, the CPP prompts the user to input or select a fastener type.Such prompt of step 841 might be in the form of the CPP generating a GUIdisplay 2701. The GUI display 2701 may provide for a menu selection fora type of fastener. As shown, the menu selection might include suchoptions as screw, bolt, nut, anchor, nail tack, for example. Upon theuser making a selection via the GUI display 2701, the processing maypass to step 842.

In step 842, the user selects the desired material of the fastener viaGUI display 2702. For example, the user may select from various optionsavailable including steel, stainless steel, brass, zinc plated, or epoxycoated. The particular material that is generated in the GUI (andavailable) may be interrelated to the particular type of fastenerselected in step 841, i.e. limited to those materials that are availablefor the particular type of fastener.

The process then passes to step 843 in which the user confirms herselections. Then, the processing passes to step 900. The processing ofstep 900 is akin to the processing described above with reference toFIG. 23. Additionally, the processing of step 900 is described infurther detail below with reference to FIG. 31.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing further details of “processing isperformed to enter/change fastener head type” step 850 of FIG. 22, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. As describedabove, the processing of step 850 is invoked by a user tapping button703 (GUI of FIG. 21)—so as to invoke the processing of step 850 (FIG. 22and FIG. 23).

The processing of FIG. 28 starts in step 850 and passes to step 851. Instep 851, the CPP prompts the user to input or select a head type. Suchprompt of step 841 might be in the form of the CPP generating a GUIdisplay 2801. The GUI display 2801 may provide for a menu selection fora type of head. As shown, the menu selection might include such optionsas Phillips, Pan Head, Button head, Hex head, Truss head, for example.Upon the user making a selection via the GUI display 2801, theprocessing may pass to step 842 in which the user confirms herselection. Then, the processing passes to step 900. The processing ofstep 900 is akin to the processing described above with reference toFIG. 23. Additionally, the processing of step 900 is described infurther detail below with reference to FIG. 31.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing further details of “processing isperformed to enter/change fastener length” step 860 of FIG. 22, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. As describedabove, the processing of step 860 is invoked by a user by tapping button703 (GUI of FIG. 21)—so as to invoke the processing of step 860 (FIG. 22and FIG. 23).

The processing of FIG. 29 starts in step 860 and passes to step 861. Instep 861, the CPP prompts the user to input or select a length offastener. Such prompt of step 851 might be in the form of the CPPgenerating a GUI display 2901. The GUI display 2901 may provide for amenu selection for a particular size of fastener. As shown, the menuselection might include such options as varying sizes, for example. Uponthe user making a selection via the GUI display 2901, the processing maypass to step 862 in which the user confirms his or her selection. Then,the processing passes to step 900. The processing of step 900 is akin tothe processing described above with reference to FIG. 23. Additionally,the processing of step 900 is described in further detail below withreference to FIG. 31.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing further details of “processing isperformed to enter/change fastener thread size” step 870 of FIG. 22, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. As describedabove, the processing of step 870 is invoked by a user by tapping button705 (GUI of FIG. 21)—so as to invoke the processing of step 870 (FIG. 22and FIG. 23).

The processing of FIG. 30 starts in step 870 and passes to step 871. Instep 861, the CPP prompts the user to input or select a thread size fora desired fastener. Such prompt of step 871 might be in the form of theCPP generating a GUI display 3001. The GUI display 3001 may provide fora menu selection for a particular thread size of fastener. As shown, themenu selection might include options of varying thread size, forexample. Upon the user making a selection via the GUI display 3001, theprocessing passes to step 872 in which the user confirms his or herselection. Then, the processing passes to step 900. The processing ofstep 900 is akin to the processing described above with reference toFIG. 23. Additionally, the processing of step 900 is described infurther detail below with reference to FIG. 31.

As shown, the GUI 3001 may include radio buttons 3002 so as to constrainsize options that are presented to the user. For example, as shown inFIG. 30, by tapping the “English” selection and tapping the “coarse”selection only sizes conforming to such selections (and available ininventory) might be presented to the user. Accordingly, the buttons 3002may be desirable in providing more limited, constrained and workableoptions to the user.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing further details of the “CPP processesaggregated data received” step 900 in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. As described above, the processing of step900 may be invoked through processing of FIG. 23, 27, 28, 29, or 30, forexample.

As described above, in step 900, the CPP processes various aggregateddata that has been received by the CPP relating to the particular samplefastener. For example, the processing of aggregated data may includeresolving conflicts between newly input data or prior input data; and/ordetermining if a matching fastener or fasteners are in stock/inventory.Such processing might include both whether a desired fastener isavailable at the particular physical kiosk (with which the user isinterfacing) and/or whether a desired fastener is available at adifferent geographical location or available by order, for example.Further, such processing might include the generation of display datafor output to a GUI of an AFS kiosk. Such processing relates, inparticular, to the fastener “specs” window 707 as shown in FIG. 21, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown, the process of FIG. 31 starts in step 900 and passes to step910. In step 910, the CPP performs a determination of whether or notnewly input data (of a fastener attribute) conflicts with other datapreviously input from the user, e.g. through interface of the user withthe GUI. As noted above, such GUI may be constituted by a suitable GUIon a side of an AFS station, such as that shown in FIG. 1 or in FIG. 9.If the determination of step 910 is yes, then processing passes fromstep 910 to step 920. In step 920, the CPP “over-writes” the priorentered user data with the updated fastener attribute. For example, theprior entered user data may be stored in a “fastener request (FR) datarecord”. In other words, the decision processing of step 910 reflects asituation in which newly input data (be that data from prior GUIinterface with the user or be that data from a fastener sample)conflicts with prior input data. For example, the processing of step 920might relate to an adjustment to the number of fasteners requested by auser. For example, the processing of step 920 might relate to anadjustment in the length of fastener requested by the user. Accordingly,in the processing of step 920, newly input data will automatically takepriority over prior input data, if the prior data was input via userinterface, i.e. based upon the reasoning that the prior data was inputfrom the user. After step 920, the process passes to step 930.

If a “no” determination was determined in step 910—i.e. the newly inputdata (of a fastener attribute) does not conflict with other user datapreviously input from GUI interface with the user—the processing passesdirectly to step 930.

To explain further, the processing of step 910, 920 and 930 demonstratesillustrative functionality in which prior input data (versus new data)that is input from GUI user interface is over-written more readily thanprior input data that is input from a sample fastener. In general, suchfunctionality demonstrates that different treatment in priority may beafforded based on type of data and the manner in which data wasinput—for example, regarding attributes of a particular sample fastener.Such priority processing might be performed based upon the premise thata user may not be aware that she is over-writing an attribute that wasinput from the very sample provided by the user. Accordingly, theprocessing of steps 930 and 940 provide methodology with which the AFSsystem may confirm a user's understanding—that she wants to over-writean observed attribute of the fastener sample.

With further reference to FIG. 31, in step 930, the CPP performs adetermination of does the newly input data conflict with image data froma sample (stored in FR data record)? If no in step 930, then no conflicthas been identified in the “newly input data”. Accordingly, the processpasses from step 930 to step 980.

On the other hand, if yes in step 930, i.e. the newly input data doesindeed conflict with image data (or other data) from a sample foreignassociate, then the processing passes to step 940. In step 940, the CPPinterfaces with the user to advise the user that the particularrequested attribute (newly input) is inconsistent with or differentvis-à-vis the sample fastener provided by the user. Relatedly, in step950, the CPP inputs whether the user wants to over-write the attributepreviously derived from the sample fastener. If the user does not wantto over-write, then the processing passes to step 960. In step 960, theprocess returns to FIG. 22 and presentation of the high-level GUIinterface. Accordingly, a “no” determination in step 950 reflects ascenario in which newly input data will not be utilized to performsearching, by the AFS system, for a candidate fastener in inventory—andprocessing for such newly input data regarding a sample fastener isterminated.

In step 950, if the user does want to over-write the prior attributethat was derived from the sample—then the processing passes to step 970.In step 970, the CPP over-writes the prior entered data in theparticular FR data record with the updated fastener attribute. Afterstep 970, the process passes to step 980.

In step 980, based on data in the fastener request data record, the CPPdetermines if the requested fastener is available in inventory. Furtherdetails are described below with reference to FIG. 32. Then, the processpasses to step 990.

In step 990, the system updates the GUI (for example the “spec” window707 of FIG. 21) with the current attribute data regarding the currentrequested fastener—as such data is stored in the fastener request datarecord. Additionally in step 990, the system may output data via GUI, tothe user, regarding if the current requested fastener is or is notavailable. Accordingly, as reflected at 990′ of FIG. 31, the CPP, basedon aggregated data, presents particulars of fastener to user (via GUI).Additionally, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thedisclosure, functionality may be provided in which the CPP interfaceswith the user, based on attributes of a desired fastener vis-à-visattributes of candidate fasteners in inventory, and presents options,including fastener variation options, to the user.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart diagram showing a search process in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure. In particular, FIG. 32shows a fastener request (FR) data table 3210. The FR data table 3210includes an FR data record 3211. The FR data record 3211 includesvarious data regarding a fastener request. The particular attributes(head type, length, and thread size) shown in the FR data record 3211are for purposes of illustration. It is appreciated that additionaland/or varied attributes of a fastener may be stored in the FR datarecord 3211. The FR data record 3211 may be identified utilizing arequest ID number or other suitable “anchor” data field. In the exampleof FIG. 32, the request ID number is R-1234.

Additionally, the flowchart diagram of FIG. 32 includes a fastenerdatabase (FDA) data table 3220. The FD data table 3220 is constituted bya plurality of FD data records 3221, 3222, 3223, 3224. A particular FDdata record is, in accordance with at least one embodiment, provided foreach fastener in inventory. Accordingly, a particular FD data record isconstituted by a fastener ID number—in association with datarepresenting specific attributes of that specific fastener. In theexample FD data record 3221, data representing specific attributes offastener ID number-1000221 includes head type, length, and thread size.It is appreciated that the particular attributes associated with aparticular fastener (i.e. a particular fastener ID number) is of coursedependent on the nature of the fastener.

Accordingly, in the processing depicted in FIG. 32, at step 3201, theCPP performs comparison of a populated FR data record vis-à-vis the FDdata records. In other words, the CPP performs a comparison ofattributes of the desired fastener vis-à-vis attributes of the variousfasteners in inventory in the particular AFS kiosk, for example. As aresult, at step 3202, the CPP identifies a matching FD data record, oralternatively, determines that there is no match. Thereafter, theprocessing passes to step 3203. In step 3203, the CPP saves thedetermination of match, or saves the determination of no match. It isappreciated that numerous variations of the processing of FIG. 32 arewithin the purview of the invention. For example, processing may beprovided in the situation of a partial match between the FR data record3211 and the various FD data records reflecting fasteners in inventory.In such partial match processing, it is appreciated that some attributesof a fastener may possess a higher priority and higher weight, forexample, vis-à-vis other attributes of a particular fastener.

As reflected at 3202′ (in FIG. 32) and otherwise described herein, thesystems and methods of the disclosure may be used to process any of awide variety of fasteners, as may be desired. The systems and methods ofthe disclosure may be used to process fasteners using any desired systemof measurement, including any U.S. system including “Standard” and“Customary”, the metric system of measurement, and/or any other systemof measurement, as may be desired.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing details of the processing “CPP performsprocessing to fetch the requested fastener” step 880 of FIG. 22, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown,processing starts at step 880 and passes to step 881. In step 881, theCPP identifies the hopper (or other inventory storage mechanism) thatcontains the requested fastener. Then, in step 882, the CPP controls thehopper motors to dispense the requested number of fasteners. Thisfunctionality may be performed using what might be characterized as abelt receiving sensor that counts fasteners that are dispensed from theparticular hopper unto a transport belt, for example. For example, thisprocessing may be performed in the context of the arrangement shown inFIG. 10. After the processing of step 882, the process passes to step883. In step 883, the CPP controls the belt motors (for example, thebelt drive 537, 538 of FIG. 11) to advance the belt in conjunction withone or more sensors confirming a count of fasteners disposed upon thebelt. Then, in step 883′ the CPP determines whether or not the fasteneraccount is short. If yes, the processing returns to step 882 andadditional fasteners are dispensed from the hopper unto the belt orother delivery apparatus.

On the other hand, it may be determined in step 883′ that the fastenercount is not short. As a result, the process passes to step 884. In step884, once fastener count is confirmed, the CPP controls the belt motorsto advance the belt to move the fasteners to a load position, at the endof the belt (as determined by one or more sensors). Then, in step 885,first stage bagger processing is performed. Further details aredescribed below with reference to FIG. 34. Then, the process passes tostep 886.

In step 886, with a suitable bag now prepared for receipt of fasteners,the CPP controls the belt motors to advance the belt to drop the one ormore fasteners off the end of the belt and into the opened bag. Then,the processing passes to step 887. In step 887, second stage baggerprocessing is performed. Further details are described below withreference to FIG. 35. Then, in step 888, the bag (now holding therequested fasteners) is dropped into a receiving bin. For example, suchreceiving bin might be constituted by the retrieval tray assembly 140 asshown in FIG. 1. With further reference to FIG. 33, after step 888, theprocessing passes to step 889. In step 889, in accord with this exampleof the disclosure, the CPP prints a label, for the plastic bag, based onthe fastener attributes. The fastener attributes may be retrieved by theCPP from the fastener request data record, for example. Then, in step889′, the GUI (on the kiosk) outputs a final message/communication tothe user. For example, the communication might include text indicatingthat the customer may take his or her purchase to the front or that thecustomer may continue to search for additional fasteners. After theprocessing of step 889′, the processing passes to step 889″.

As is shown in FIG. 33, step 889″ reflects that processing is completedfor the requested fastener and accordingly processing terminates.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing further details of “first stage baggerprocessing is performed” step 885 of FIG. 33, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure. Details are described below withreference to related FIGS. 36-40.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing further details of “second stage baggerprocessing is performed” step 887 of FIG. 33, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the disclosure. Details are described below withreference to related FIGS. 42-44.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing aspects of processing in a delivery system,in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Inparticular, FIG. 36 illustrates a processing step of FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. In particular, FIG. 37 illustrates a processing step ofFIG. 34.

FIG. 38 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. In particular, FIG. 38 illustrates a processing step ofFIG. 34.

FIG. 39 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. In particular, FIG. 39 illustrates a processing step ofFIG. 34.

FIG. 40 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. In particular, FIG. 40 illustrates a processing step ofFIG. 34.

FIG. 41 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. In particular, FIG. 41 illustrates a processing step ofFIG. 35.

FIG. 42 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. In particular, FIG. 42 illustrates a processing step ofFIG. 35.

FIG. 43 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. In particular, FIG. 43 illustrates a processing step ofFIG. 35.

FIG. 44 is a further diagram showing aspects of a delivery system, atlater time in processing, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. In particular, FIG. 44 illustrates a processing step ofFIG. 35.

As noted above, FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing further details of “firststage bagger processing is performed” step 885 of FIG. 33, in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 34, as well as FIG.35, illustrates a delivery system 900 the same as or similar to thedelivery system 500 of FIG. 11.

The process of FIG. 34 starts in step 885 and passes to step 885-1. Instep 885-1 (see FIG. 36), arm 970 is positioned (with moving vacuum box980′ against bag 999) and vacuum is applied to engage with bag 999 (e.g.a plastic bag). Then, in step 885-2 (see FIG. 37), arm 970 is movedback, while vacuum box 980′ is engaged with bag, so as to pull bag awayfrom a support that holds the bag 999. Then, in step 885-3 (see FIG.38), arm 970 (with vacuum box 980′) is moved linearly to be positionedacross from opposing vacuum box 980. Then, in step 885-4 (see FIG. 39),arm 970 (with moving vacuum box 980′) is moved transversely to move bag999 against static vacuum box 980—so that static vacuum box 980 alsoengages with bag 999 (by applying a vacuum). Then, in step 885-5, arm970 (with moving vacuum box 980′) is moved transversely, away from thestatic vacuum box 980, so to open up the bag (see FIG. 40). Then, theprocess returns to FIG. 33 (step 886).

As noted above, FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing further details of“second stage bagger processing is performed” step 887 of FIG. 33, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

The process of FIG. 35 starts in step 887 and passes to step 887-1. Step887-1 (see FIG. 42) reflects that the fasteners are now in bag 999.After step 887-1, in step 887-2 (see FIG. 43), with fasteners in bag,the moving arm 970 with moving vacuum box 980′ is again moved againstthe static vacuum box 980—and heat strips 982 are heated so as to sealthe bag 999. Then, in step 887-3 (see FIG. 44), the moving arm 970 isagain retracted (with vacuum now off in both the moving vacuum box 980′and the static vacuum box 980) so that bag 999 is freed to drop into aretrieval bin. Then, the process returns to FIG. 33 (step 888).

As described herein, the systems and methods of the disclosure mayinclude various fastener dispensing arrangements including mechanicaldispensing arrangements, controllers and/or processors to control suchmechanical dispensing arrangements. In accord with one aspect of thedisclosure described throughout this disclosure, an apparatus of thedisclosure may include a variety of fasteners in inventory. As selectedor chosen by a user, such fasteners in inventory may be dispensed to theuser. As described above, fasteners may be stored, in inventory, in abin and selectively dispensed into a suitable container, such as aplastic bag or box, for example. FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a furtherdispensing assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of thedisclosure.

In the embodiment of FIG. 45, inventory of one or more fasteners may bein the form of a spool or roll of bags 4590. That is, as shown in FIG.45, a particular type of fastener may be provided in a spool of bags4590. The spool of bags 4590 may include a plurality of bags 4592 in astring, series, or sequence 4591. Each of the bags 4592 (in the stringof bags 4591) may contain a number of fasteners 4570. Each bag 4592 maybe demarcated from an adjacent bag (in the spool of bags 4590) by apre-perforated division 4592P. The pre-perforated divisions 4592P may bein the form of a series of aligned holes or apertures extending acrossthe string of bags 4591—so as to demarcate the respective bags andprovide a weakened section, by which the bags may be separated. Thepre-perforated divisions 4590P may be disposed at spaced intervals alongthe length of the string of bags 4591.

As shown, a number of fasteners may be contained in each individual bag4592. For example, each bag 4592 may contain 5, 10, 20, or any otherdesired number of fasteners. Construction of the bags 4592 may includefolded plastic, heat sealed seams and/or other physical separationsbetween distinct bags.

A spool of bags 4590, with individual bags containing select fasteners,may be produced or pre-filled in mass at a manufacturing facility orfactory. Different spools of bags may contain different fasteners.Various spools of bags may then be shipped to a retail store, such asHOME DEPOT, and provide inventory in an apparatus of the disclosure. Thespools of bags may be color coded to reflect different fasteners in aparticular spool, different types of fasteners in a particular spool,and/or different sizes of fastener in a particular spool, for example.

With further reference to FIG. 45, the fastener dispensing apparatus orassembly 4500 of the disclosure may include a support structure 4510.Attached to the support structure 4510 is a support rod 4511. A spool ofbags 4590 may be disposed upon the support rod 4511. The spool of bags4590 may include an inner structure 4592 (not shown) upon which the bags4591 are wound about in manufacturing. The inner structure may be in theform of a paper or cardboard tube or roll, i.e. akin to the manner inwhich a roll of paper towels is wound about a cardboard tube. However,as is shown in FIG. 45, the spool of bags 4590 may not include an innerroll, i.e. the spool of bags may be rolled upon itself.

In the dispensing assembly 4500, the spool of bags 4590 is free torotate around the support rod 4511. Such rotation may include or beprovided with some degree of resistance or friction so as to prevent thespool from inadvertently unwinding.

The dispensing assembly 4500 further includes a clamp roller assembly4520 and a spindle assembly 4530. The clamp roller assembly 4520 mayinclude roller clamps or rollers 4521 that are disposed on opposingsides of the string of bags 4591. The rollers 4521 are impartedrotational movement, by a clamp motor unit 4522, so as to advance thestring of bags 4591 downward. The rollers 4521 turn in opposingdirection so as to advance the string of bags downward. That is,together, the two rollers 4521 serve to effectively clamp the string ofbags in a static situation when the rollers 4521 are not rotating—andserve to effectively advance the string 4591 of bags 4592 downward, asshown in FIG. 45, when the rollers are rotating. The rollers 4521effectively grab the string of bags 4591 and advance the string of bagsagainst any frictional force provided to the spool of bags 4590 by thesupporting support rod 4591. It is appreciated that other clamping andadvancing mechanisms may be utilized in lieu of the clamp assembly 4530.

As noted above, the dispensing assembly 4500 also includes a spindleassembly 4530. The spindle assembly 4530 includes a toothed spindle4531. The toothed spindle 4531 includes teeth 4532. In this embodiment,the clamp roller assembly 4520 advances the string of bags 4591 downwarda desired distance. Utilizing suitable sensors and/or a predeterminedadvancement rotation as controlled by a controller, the clamp rollerassembly 4522 positions or spaces the toothed spindle adjacent or nearone of the pre-perforated divisions 4592P. The toothed spindle 4531 ispowered or motorized to rotate by a spindle motor unit 4533. Uponrotation of the toothed spindle 4531, the teeth 4532 grab into or ontothe particular pre-perforated division 4592P that is adjacent or nearthe toothed spindle 4531. As a result, the string of bags is torn apart,along the particular pre-perforated division 4592P, so as to effectivelyrelease a torn off bag 4592′, or multiple bags if the string is soadvanced Immediately after a bag 4592′ is torn off, the clamp rollerassembly 4520 may advance so as to position the next pre-perforateddivision 4592P adjacent to the spindle 4531 (which is theposition/arrangement shown in FIG. 45).

The structure of the tooth spindle 4531 may be varied. In thearrangement shown in FIG. 45, the teeth 4532 may be disposed about thetoothed spindle 4531 and be of varying sharpness, thickness, lengthand/or other attribute. However, in an alternative arrangement, toothedspindle 4531′ may be utilized in lieu of the toothed spindle 4531. Thetoothed spindle 4531′ may include more pronounced teeth 4532′. Ingeneral, it is appreciated that the shape or geometry of the toothedspindle 4531 and the teeth 4532 may be varied as desired depending onthe shape or geometry of the pre-perforated divisions 4590P, thethickness of the material used in construction of the bags to hold thefasteners, and/or the extent that the pre-perforated divisions 4592Psegregate or weaken the individual bags.

It is appreciated that one or more of a particular type of dispensingassembly or apparatus may be utilized in a dispensing apparatus of thedisclosure, as may be desired. Further, different types of dispensingassemblies may be utilized in the same dispensing apparatus of thedisclosure, as may be desired. Additionally, a dispensing assembly,package, mechanism, or process described herein as dispensing aparticular or single type of fastener may indeed be utilized to dispensea collection of various fasteners as may be desired. For example, acollection of various fasteners (sold as a single unit) might be aparticular diameter of screw, but of varying lengths. Such single unitcould be provided as an option (in inventory) for the user to considerin making his or her selection of fasteners.

In related manner to FIG. 45, in a yet further arrangement, fastenersmay be secured in a row upon a supporting substrate, such as a paperstrip. Such supporting substrate with fasteners may be wound onto aspool. Upon a particular number of fasteners being selected by a user,an assembly (similar to dispensing assembly 4500) may advance thesupporting substrate to provide the requested number of fasteners. Theadvanced portion of the strip may then be “cut” (with a suitable cutterin lieu of tooted spindle 4531) so as to dispense the requested numberof fasteners. Alternatively, the toothed spindle 4531 may be used totear off the requested number of fasteners. The supporting substrate maybe provided with perforations or weakened portions to assist on suchoperation.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a further dispensing assembly 4600, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thedispensing assembly 4600 may be utilized in one of the dispensingapparatus of the disclosure, such as the station 100 of FIG. 1 or thestation 420 of FIG. 9, for example.

The dispensing assembly 4600, of FIG. 6, includes a dispensing sleeve4610. The dispensing sleeve 4610 might be in the form of a tube, box, orother similar structure. As shown, the dispensing sleeve 4610 mayinclude an open top 4617. The dispensing sleeve 4610 includes a bottomopening 4612. A bottom shelf 4613 is disposed below the bottom opening4612.

In an embodiment, the dispensing assembly 4600 is constructed so as todispense a plurality of fastener containers 4690. The fastenercontainers 4690 may be in the form of a jar, tube, canister, closedcylinder, box, other shape, or other arrangement. The fastenercontainers 4690 may contain a single particular fastener and/or maycontain a variety of fasteners. A plurality of the containers 4690 maybe inserted into the top 4617 of the dispensing sleeve 4610. As result,a plurality of the containers 4690 may be disposed within an interiorvolume 4615 of the dispensing sleeve 4610.

Structure may be provided so that a lowermost fastener container 4690′,may be pushed out or injected from the dispensing assembly 4600. Asreflected at 4680, the lowermost fastener container 4690′ may be ejectedfrom the dispensing sleeve 4610 so as to drop onto a conveyor or someother mechanism to transport the ejected fastener container 4690′ to aretrieval location or bin (for retrieval by the user). Alternatively,the lowermost fastener container 4690′ may be dropped directly into alocation, for example bin, so as to be retrieved by a user.

In accord with one embodiment, a piston 4630 is provided so as to ejectthe container 4690′ from the dispensing sleeve 4610. That is, the piston4630 may be powered by gas, oil, air, or other fluid, so as to extend ina lateral direction 4639 as shown in FIG. 46. As a result, the fastenercontainer 4690′ is ejected in a leftward direction. Movement of thepiston 4630 may be provided so as to effectively “pop” the fastenercontainer 4690′ out from the dispensing sleeve 4610. Due to the effectof gravity, a next fastener container 4690″ then falls, so as to assumethe position of the lowermost container. Accordingly, the next time auser requests (from inventory) the particular type of fastener disposedin the fastener container 4690—such container will be ejected from thedispensing sleeve 4610. It is appreciated that a wall or other retainingstructure 4614 may be disposed upon the bottom shelf 4613 so as tostably retain the lowermost fastener container prior to injection fromthe dispensing sleeve 4610. Indeed, the dispensing sleeve 4610 may notbe open on a front side (as shown in FIG. 46), but rather may only beopen enough and sufficiently (1) to allow the piston 4630 to exert forceon the fastener container (so as to pop out the fastener container), and(2) to allow the fastener container to exit the dispensing sleeve on theleft side as shown in FIG. 46. It is of course appreciated theparticular directionalities may be varied as desired, i.e., the piston4630 might be disposed on the left side, or some other side, so as toeject a fastener container.

Further, the disclosure is not limited to the particular features of thepiston 4630 described and shown in FIG. 46. Other mechanicalarrangements might be utilized to eject the fastener container 4690′from the dispensing sleeve 4610. Such other mechanical arrangement mightbe an arm, rack and pinion driven rod, lever, rotating arms, rotatinglevers, magnet to repel a fastener container 4690′ from the dispensingsleeve 4610 (in the case that the fastener container is metal), or someother mechanical arrangement.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a further dispensing assembly 4700, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thedispensing assembly 4700 may be utilized in one of the dispensingapparatus of the disclosure, such as the station 100 of FIG. 1 or thestation 420 of FIG. 9, for example.

The dispensing assembly 4700 of FIG. 47 includes a plurality of bags offasteners 4790 supported on a support rod or other elongated structure4711. The support rod 4711, which supports the bags, is in turnsupported by a support structure 4712. For example, the support rod 4711might be in the form of a steel rod or shaft. Each bag 4790 may containa desired number of fasteners with desired attributes. For example, eachbag 4790 may contain 10 screws of a particular type.

As shown, each of the bags 4790 is supported via a support structuresuch as a hole 4791 disposed in the top portion of the bag, other typeof aperture, tab (as described below), or other support structure. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 47 as shown at 4750′, each of the bags 4790 maybe structured to allow the bag to be pulled or torn off the support rod4711. That is, if the support structure is a hole 4791, then such hole4791 may be provided with a frangible or weakened portion—so that thebag may be pulled or torn off the support rod 4711.

On the other hand, each of the bags may be provided with a tab 4791′.The tab 4791′ may be attached to the bag 4790′ via a connecting portion4791″, such as via adhesive, heat bonding, or in some other manner. Thetab 4791′ may be splayable or spreadable. As a result, when a bag 4790′is disposed upon support rod 4711′, and a predetermined amount ofdownward force is applied to the tab 4791′, the tab 4791′ distorts inshape. Such distortion in shape allows the tab 4791′ to slip off thesupport rod 4711. Such distortion in shape of the tab 4791′ may beprovided by deformable or elastic nature of construct of the tab. Insome embodiments, it may be preferred to use the tab versus a tearablehole 4791, i.e. in that tab 4791′ will, for the most part, return to itsoriginal shape once disengaged from the support rod 4711.

It is appreciated that various mechanisms may be utilized to disengageor pull a particular bag 4790 off from the support rod 4711. With thearrangement of the dispensing assembly 4700, once the bag 4790 is pulledoff the support rod 4711, the bag is freed to drop onto a conveyor,other transport device, or retrieval location. For example, a bag thatis pulled off the support rod 4711 might drop onto a chute or slide soas to be routed or transported to a retrieval bin (e.g. retrieval trayassembly 140 of FIG. 1), for pickup by the user.

As noted above, it is appreciated that various mechanisms may beutilized to disengage or pull off a particular bag 4790 from the supportrod 4711. Illustratively, FIG. 47 shows a mechanism that includes rollerassembly 4720. The roller assembly 4720, as illustratively shown,includes a friction wheel 4721. The friction wheel is driven by asuitable motor 4722. The friction wheel 4721 may be constructed ofsticky rubber or other friction providing material, for example. Thebags 4790 include a next bag to drop 4790N.

In operation, the friction wheel 4721 is pressed up against the next bag4790N to be pulled off the support structure 4711, i.e. the bag 4790N.The friction wheel 4721 is pressed up against the bag 4790N, asufficient amount, such that when the friction wheel 4721 turns in acounterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 47, the friction wheel 4721grabs onto bag 4790N. As a result, the bag 4790N is pulled off, or turnoff, the support rod 4711. Specific attributes of such operation—such aspressure applied to press the friction wheel 4721 up against bag 4790Nand the speed at which friction wheel 4721 turns—may be determined basedon the particular attributes of the bags 4790 and friction wheel 4721,for example.

The roller assembly 4720 may include a mechanical arrangement toposition friction wheel 4721 against the next bag 4790N. In theembodiment of FIG. 47, as reflected at 4720′, the roller assembly 4720includes an extendable and/or spring loaded arm 4725. The spring-loadedarm 4725 is provided with the friction wheel. A bracket 4726 may beprovided to connect the arm 4725 to the friction wheel 4721 and/or themotor 4722. The arm 4725 may be constituted by a robotics arm withsensors and controllers, such that the position of arm 4725 may becontrolled by a computer. As an additional next bag is torn off orpulled off, the arm 4725 is advanced to the left as shown in FIG. 47.Once the last bag is torn off, the arm 4725 may then retract to a farright position and a new set of bags be loaded upon the support rod4711, i.e. a new set of bags may be loaded into inventory.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a further dispensing assembly 4800, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thedispensing assembly 4800 may be utilized in one of the dispensingapparatus of the disclosure, such as the station 100 of FIG. 1 or thestation 420 of FIG. 9, for example.

The dispensing assembly 4800 of FIG. 47 includes a mechanism forsupporting a plurality of boxes of fasteners 4980 upon a support shelf4820. The boxes of fasteners constitute inventory in this example. Forexample, the boxes 4890 might be 20 count of screws. The boxes arephysically disposed upon support shelf 4820. It is of course appreciatedthat the size, shape, width, length and other physical attributes of thesupport shelf 4820 may be varied based on the particular number of boxes4890 and the particular shape of each box 4890, which is desired to bedispensed.

More specifically, the structure of shelf 4820 includes shelf 4821 uponwhich two shelf rails 4822 are disposed on opposing sides. In otherwords, the shelf rails 4822 may run along edges of the shelf 4821 so asto form a channel 4824 between the shelf rails 4822. It is within thischannel 4824 that the boxes 4890, or other containers, are placed in arow in “stocking” inventory. The boxes 4890 are disposed in a row suchthat when a left hand side of the row is pushed rightward the right mostbox 4890′ is pushed or knocked off an edge 4821′ of the shelf 4821, i.e.knocked off the end of the shelf, as shown at 4800′. The container maythen drop for retrieval. The support shelf 4820 may be supported by asuitable brace or support 4830.

With the arrangement of the dispensing assembly 4800, once the box 4890′is pushed off the edge 4821′, the box is freed to drop onto a conveyor,other transport device, or retrieval location. For example, the box4890′ might drop into a chute or slide so as to be routed or transportedto a retrieval bin (e.g. retrieval tray assembly 140 of FIG. 1), forpickup by the user.

The particular arrangement that is utilized to push the row of boxes maybe varied as desired. For example, in one embodiment, a simple pistonmight be utilized to push the row of boxes 4890. In such embodiment, theextension or travel of such a piston should be sufficient so as to allowfor a full shelf of boxes, i.e. inventory, hand-in-hand with extendingso as to push the last box off the edge 4821′. Such a piston might betelescopic and utilize air, oil, hydraulic fluid, or some other type offluid to extend the piston.

In lieu of a piston, the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 48includes a push assembly 4850 with a push foot 4854. The push foot 4854may be provided to directly apply pressure to a leftmost box 4890—so asto push rightmost box 4890′ over edge 4821′.

The push assembly 4850 includes a crankshaft 4851. A connecting rod 4852is rigidly connected to crankshaft 4851 so as to turn with thecrankshaft 4851. In turn, a connecting rod 4853 is connected to theconnecting rod 4852 by a crank pin 4855. Such arrangement allowspivoting between the connecting rod 4852 and the connecting rod 4853.The connecting rod 4853 is connected, at an end thereof, to the pushfoot 4854. The connecting rod 4853 is connected to the push foot 4854 ina manner so as to allow pivoting, such as utilizing a pivot pin 4856. Inoperation, the crankshaft 4851 is initially turned counterclockwise, toa first extent, so as to position push foot 4854 to the far left of theshelf 4821. Boxes of fasteners, i.e. inventory, may then be loaded uponshelf 4821. Then, as the crankshaft 4851 turns clockwise (per arrows4850′), via the connecting rod 4852 and the connecting rod 4853, thepush foot 4854 is pushed rightward. As a result, the right most box4890′ is pushed off the edge 4821′, as described above. Movement of thepush foot is then terminated till a further box is requested.

The crankshaft 4851 may be powered by a suitable motor 4851′ or othermechanism. The crankshaft 4851 and/or the motor 4851′ may be suitablysupported upon a support structure 4811. Further, it should beappreciated that the crankshaft 4851, rod 4852, rod 4853, and/or pushfoot 4854 may be replaced, in some embodiments, with other linkages ormechanical arrangements to push or propel the containers or boxes 4890on shelf 4821 or other supporting structure. Additional linkages orother mechanical structure may be used to amplify the travel distance ofpush foot 4854, such as providing connecting rod 4853 with a telescopicextension portion, for example.

The containers utilized in the dispensing assembly 4800 areillustratively shown as boxes 4890 in FIG. 48. However, the invention isnot limited to such containers. Other containers may be utilized asdesired, including jars, other shaped boxes, or bags of fasteners, forexample. Additionally, circular jars or other containers (such as shownin FIG. 49) may also be utilized given the shelf rails 4822. That is,containers having curvature may be utilized since shelf rails 4822 willprevent such containers from slipping past one another or becomingmisaligned as pressure is exerted by foot 4854 or other mechanism.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a further structure that may be utilized tohold fasteners, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thedisclosure. FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the same or similarstructure as that shown in FIG. 49, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. For example, the structure of FIG. 49 maybe characterized as a sleeve 4910. The sleeve 4910 includes a sleeveside wall 4911. The sleeve sidewall 4911 creates or defines an interiorvolume 4915. A plurality of fastener devices may be disposed within theinterior volume 4915. In particular, the sleeve 4910 provides astructure to hold a plurality of washers 4980 or similar structure asshown in FIG. 49. The sleeve 4910 may be constructed of a plastic orpolymer material disposed about the washer 4980 or other fastener. Thesleeve 4910 may be heat-shrunk around the washers 4980 or otherfasteners. The sleeve 4910 may be constructed of sufficiently thinmaterial such that a segment of the sleeve may be “sliced” off (orotherwise frangible) along with a washer or other fastener, which suchsliced-off sleeve segment covers. Such structure is shown in FIG. 61with a dispensed washer 5291D and a sliced off sleeve portion 5291P.That is, the structural attributes of the sleeve 4910, includingstrength and thickness, may be provided so as to provide sufficientstrength to hold the plurality of fasteners in a desiredarrangement—hand-in-hand with being sufficiently frangible or sliceablesuch that the sleeve 4910 may be sliced off with a correspondingfastener disposed therein.

The structure 4911 of FIG. 49 and FIG. 50 is not limited to retainingwashers. Other fastener structure may be retained in the sleeve 4910.For example, a plurality of screws may be aligned in sequence andretained in a sleeve of similar structure to that shown in FIGS. 49 and50. One or more screws or other fasteners may then be cut off, using asuitable cutting arrangement, so as to be dispensed to a user. Furtherdetails are described below in accordance with at least one embodimentof the disclosure. As reflected in FIG. 49 at 4900′, washers in a sleeve4910 may be dispensed using carousel dispenser of FIG. 51 or FIG. 54,for example.

FIGS. 51-53 are diagrams showing features of a same or similardispensing assembly 5100, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. The dispensing assembly 5100 may be utilized in one ofthe dispensing apparatus of the disclosure, such as the station 100 ofFIG. 1 or the station 420 of FIG. 9, for example.

The dispensing assembly 5100 of FIG. 51 includes an arrangement thatdispenses fasteners from a fastener sleeve 5190. For example, thedispensing assembly 5100 may manipulate the sleeve 4910 of FIG. 49 so asto dispense fasteners from such sleeve 4910.

The dispensing assembly 5100 includes a rotating platform 5110, a staticsupport platform 5120, and a plunger assembly 5130. With such structure,the dispensing assembly 5100 serves to support a plurality of fastenersleeves 5190 in conjunction with dispensing fasteners, for examplewashers, from such fastener sleeves 5190.

As shown, in particular, in FIG. 52, the rotating platform 5110 includesa plurality of openings 5111. Each opening 5111 serves to support andhouse a respective fastener sleeve 5190—in conjunction with a fastenersleeve 5190 (excepting fastener sleeve 5190′) resting on a supportplatform surface 5121 (of platform 5120. The structural attributes ofeach opening 5111 may be constructed such that an opening 5111 issufficiently tight or tolerance, and sufficiently high, such that afastener sleeve 5190 is prevented from tipping hand-in-hand withallowing the fastener sleeve 5192 to slip through a respective opening5111, as described below. Accordingly, the depth or thickness of theopening 5111 may be varied so as to prevent tipping of a fastener sleeve5190 contained in such opening 5111.

As shown in FIG. 51, a plurality of fastener sleeves 5190 are disposedin the dispensing assembly 5100. Such plurality of fasteners constitutesinventory of the dispensing assembly 5100. Each of the fastener sleeves5190 may contain a different fastener, for example a different sizedwasher.

As noted above, in general, each fastener sleeve 5190 is retained byrotating platform 5110 and rests upon a support platform surface 5121 ofstatic support platform 5120. As rotating platform 5110 rotates, aspowered by a suitable motor for example, each of the fastener sleeves5190 retained in openings 5111 also rotate. Rotation of the rotatingplatform 5110 may be around or about hole 5180. Accordingly, a suitablerod or other support structure (not shown) may be provided to supportthe rotating platform 5110 so as to rotate about hole 5180. Rotation ofthe rotating platform 5110 is provided so as to dispose a particularfastener sleeve 5190, designated as 5190′ in FIG. 51, above a platformopening 5122. It is this fastener sleeve 5190′ from which a desiredfastener will be dispensed by the dispensing assembly 5100. The supportplatform surface 5121 supports fastener sleeves 5190 when such fastenersleeves are not disposed over platform opening 5122. Platform opening5122 may also be characterized as a dispensing gap, as shown in theexploded view of FIG. 53. Relatedly, a control system such as thefastener retrieval control portion 630, as shown in FIG. 20, may beprovided so as to control rotation and positioning of the rotatingplatform 5110. Upon a desired fastener being requested by a user, thecontrol portion 630 rotates the rotating platform 5110 such that thedesired fastener (disposed in a fastener sleeve 5190) is disposed abovethe platform opening 5122. As shown in FIG. 51, position of the sleevesmay be numbered 5115 so that the particular sleeve number may becorrelated with control of the assembly. For example, a humanreplenishing the sleeves 5190 may interface with the control system(e.g. control portion 630—so as to input what fastener type was placedinto what position 5115. Such data then allows the control system toappropriately position a sleeve of fasteners (for dispensing) tocorrelate with what fastener is requested by a user. It is appreciatedthat fastener sleeves 5190 may well be more densely packed, as comparedto that shown in FIG. 51—so as to provide for a greater number offastener in inventory.

The platform opening 5122, of the static support platform 5120,accommodates a plunger assembly 5130. That is, the plunger assembly 5130is positioned adjacent platform opening 5122 so as to selectively extendinto the platform opening 5122. The plunger assembly 5130 performsdispensing of one or more fasteners disposed in a fastener sleeve 5190′,i.e., the particular fastener sleeve that is positioned adjacent theplunger assembly 5130 and positioned over platform opening 5122. Theplunger assembly 5130 may be provided with a cutting edge 5131. Thecutting edge 5131 may afford to shear or slice off a fastener, such as awasher or nut, as the fastener sleeve 5190′ is lowered due to thetapered platform 5141 (and the movement of the support plunger 5140 in arightward direction). Further details are described below.

The plunger assembly 5130 includes a push plunger 5150 and a supportplunger 5140. The support plunger 5140 is provided with a taper asdescribed above. The push plunger 5150 may be supported by a plunger arm5159. In turn, the plunger arm 5159 may be controlled by a suitablecontroller 630 utilizing suitable motorization and/or robotics, forexample. The support plunger 5140 may be supported by a plunger arm5149. In turn, the plunger arm 5149 may be controlled by a suitablecontroller 630 utilizing suitable motorization and/or robotics, forexample.

The plunger assembly 5130 dispenses fasteners from the dispensing sleeve5190′. The support plunger 5140 includes the tapered platform 5141. Thesupport plunger 5140, with tapered platform 5141, supports the sleeve5190′ at a variable height. That is, the variable left and rightposition of the tapered platform 5141 controls the height at which thefastener sleeve 5190′ is supported. The left and right position may becontrolled by control portion 630. In manner as described further below,once height of the fastener sleeve 5190′ (as controlled by the supportplunger 5140 with taper) is disposed at a desired height, plunger arm5159/push plunger 5150 may be controlled so as to “slice” off one ormore fasteners disposed in the fastener sleeve 5190′. For example, suchsliced off washer 5191′ with a portion 5191P′ of sleeve is shown in FIG.51. In other words, washer 5191′ is dispensed from the fastener sleeve5190′. Such dispensing of washer 5191′ may be detected by a photo sensor5160. Data regarding such detection may be output back to controlportion 630 so as to control operation of the process, in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure. For example, a countermay be used to count the number of fasteners dispensed. If count of thedispensed fasteners is not correct, adjustments may then be made—forexample, a further washer may be dispensed. The photo sensor 5160 may besupported upon a static support platform utilizing a suitable bracket5161.

FIGS. 54-63 are diagrams showing features of a same or similardispensing assembly 5200, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. The dispensing assembly 5200 may be utilized in one ofthe dispensing apparatus of the disclosure, such as the station 100 ofFIG. 1 or the station 420 of FIG. 9, for example. The dispensingassembly 5200 is similar in structure to the dispensing assembly 5100shown in FIGS. 51-53. In particular, FIGS. 54-63 are provided to showdetails of operation of the dispensing assembly.

In similar construct to that shown in FIGS. 51-53, the dispensingassembly 5200 (of FIG. 54) includes a rotating platform 5210 withopenings 5211. The dispensing assembly 5200 further includes a staticsupport platform 5220. In manner similar to FIG. 51, the rotatingplatform 5210 and the static support platform 5220 serve to support aplurality of fastener sleeves 5290 including sleeve 5290′ (see FIG. 55).

As shown in FIG. 54, the dispensing assembly 5200 further includes aplunger assembly 5230. The plunger assembly 5230 includes a supportplunger 5240 and a push plunger 5250. The support plunger 5240 isprovided with a tapered platform 5241, as described in further detailbelow. The support plunger 5240 may be supported by a plunger arm 5249that is driven by piston 5249′. In turn, the plunger arm 5249 and piston5249′ may be controlled by a suitable controller 630′ (akin tocontroller 630) utilizing suitable motorization and/or robotics, forexample.

The push plunger 5250 may be supported by a plunger arm 5259 that isdriven by piston 5259′. In turn, the plunger arm 5259 and piston 5259′may be controlled by the suitable controller 630′ utilizing suitablemotorization and/or robotics, for example. The plunger assembly 5230dispenses fasteners from sleeve 5290′, as shown in FIGS. 55-63 inparticular, and described below.

As shown in FIG. 54, the push plunger 5250 includes a top surface 5251.Further, the static support platform 5220 includes a support platformsurface 5221 (in similar manner as the static support platform 5120 ofFIG. 53 includes support platform surface 5121). The top surface 5251(of the push plunger 5250) may be vertically disposed so as to be flush,in a vertical direction, with the support platform surface 5221. As aresult, as the rotating platform 5210 rotates, along with any sleeves5290 disposed in the rotating platform 5210, the bottom of each sleevemay smoothly traverse over the platform opening 5222 (i.e. over thedispensing gap). In this manner, the rotating platform 5210 may rotateto a desired position (along with any sleeves 5290 disposed in therotation platform). Additionally, edges of the support platform surface5221 (about the platform opening 5222) and side edges of the top surface5251 of the push plunger 5250 may be rounded to some degree—so as toassist with the bottom of each sleeve 5290 smoothly traversing over theplatform opening 5222. However, an end edge 5250E (as shown in FIG. 61)may indeed be sharpened so as to assist in slicing or shearing of afastener, e.g. washer, off the sleeve 5290′.

It is appreciated that support of the fastener sleeves 5190 is notlimited to the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 51, which includesrotating platform 5110. Other arrangements may be utilized, such as acentral spindle with spoke arms, which serve to support fastener sleeves5190. That is, a support structure (e.g. tube) may be provided at theend of each spoke arm. Each support structure (e.g. tube) supports eachrespective fastener sleeve 5190—and provides for rotation andpositioning of the fastener sleeves 5190.

As described above, the rotating platform 5210 is rotated until aparticular sleeve, with the desired fastener therein, is disposed overthe platform opening 5222. Rotation of the rotating platform 5210 isthen stopped, such that the desired fastener may be dispensed. FIG. 55shows the arrangement in such disposition, with sleeve 5290′.

Accordingly, in the arrangement of FIG. 55, the push plunger 5250 isdisposed under the sleeve 5290′. As a next step in the process, the pushplunger 5250 is retracted or in other words moved to the right as shownin FIG. 55. This movement may be performed by the plunger arm 5259 beingretracted into the piston 5259′. At a point, the push plunger 5250 willmove sufficiently to the right so as to allow the sleeve 5290′ to slipdownwardly, unto the support plunger 5240. This results in thearrangement shown in FIG. 56.

With reference to FIG. 54 and FIG. 56 in particular, the support plunger5240 includes tapered platform 5241, as described above. In thearrangement of FIG. 56, the support plunger 5240 (with tapered platform5241) supports the sleeve 5290′ at a variable height. Such variableheight, of the sleeve 5290′, is controlled by the left and rightposition of the tapered platform 5241. As the tapered platform 5241 ispositioned more to the left, as shown in FIG. 56, for example, thesleeve 5290′ is supported in a high position. On the other hand, as thetapered platform 5241 is positioned more to the right, as shown in FIG.59, for example, the sleeve 5290′ is supported in a lowered position. Inother words, as the tapered platform 5241 is retracted to the left, thegap provided by the tapered platform 5241 gets larger. Retraction may becorrelated with the width of the particular washer being dispensed

In operation of the support plunger 5240, the left and right positionmay be controlled by control portion 630′. In manner as describedfurther below, once height of the fastener sleeve 5290′ is disposed at adesired height, push plunger 5250 may be controlled so as to “slice” offone or more fasteners disposed in the fastener sleeve 5290.

Hereinafter, further details of operation of the dispensing assembly5200 will be described, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. In FIGS. 55-53, the static support platform 5220 isomitted.

In the arrangement of FIG. 56, the sleeve 5290′ is disposed upon thesupport plunger 5240. As is shown in FIG. 57, as a next step, pushplunger 5250 is then moved to the left. As reflected at 5250′, leftwardpressure is then applied to the sleeve 5290′. For example, such leftwardpressure may result from maintaining pressure exerted in piston 5259′ soas to maintain leftward pressure on plunger arm 5259. Alternatively,push plunger 5250 may maintain a distance from the sleeve 5290′ untilthe sleeve 5290′ achieves a desired position—for a fastener to be slicedoff. By so maintaining a distance, no frictional force or resistance isexerted on the sleeve 5290′—so as to allow the sleeve 5290′ to freelydrop in concert with movement of the support plunger 5240.

As shown in FIG. 58, as a next step, support plunger 5240 is retractedin a rightward direction, as shown in FIG. 58. This allows sleeve 5290′to further drop in a vertical direction. Relatedly, in some embodiments,it may well be desirable for the push plunger 5250 to exert limitedleftward pressure on the sleeve 5290′—so as to not preclude sleeve 5290′from slipping past push plunger 5250 downward. In other words, thepressure applied by push plunger 5250 on sleeve 5290′ should notpreclude sleeve 5290′ from falling downward upon support plunger 5240,as support plunger 5240 is moved to the right.

As is shown in FIG. 59, as a next step, the plunger arm 5249 is yetfurther retracted—so as to further move support plunger 5240 in arightward direction. And, as described above, pressure is maintained onthe sleeve 5290′ by the push plunger 5250, as reflected at 5250′.

As is shown in FIG. 60, as a next step, the sleeve 5290′ has furtherdropped to a lower level due to the movement of the support plunger 5240in a rightward direction, as a result of the tapered platform 5241 ofthe support plunger 5240. As is shown in FIG. 60, the sleeve 5290′ hasdropped a sufficient amount such that a top surface of the lowermostwasher 5291D (of the washers 5291) “clears” a lower surface 5217 (seeFIG. 60) of the rotating platform 5210. Relatedly, as described above,the push plunger 5250 has continued to apply leftward pressure as thesleeve 5290′ has been dropped. Accordingly, once the top surface of thelower most washer 5291D clears the lower surface 5217, the strength andconstruct of the sleeve 5290′ is insufficient to withstand the pressureof push plunger 5250. As a result, the washer 5291D along with a portion5290P′ (of the sleeve 5290′) is effectively sliced, sheared or severedoff the sleeve 5290′. This results in a dispensed washer 5291D.

As is shown in FIG. 61, as a next step, the dispensed washer 5291D isfully severed from the sleeve 5290′. As a result, the dispensed washer5291D is free to drop, along with sliced off sleeve portion 5291P′, asdescribed above. As shown in FIG. 62, the dispensed washer 5291D may beprovided to further drop onto a suitable transport mechanism fortransport to a user retrieval location, such as a retrieval bin.Alternatively, the dispensed washer 5291D might drop directly into aretrieval bin; and/or be routed to a retrieval bin via a chute orchannel, for example.

As is shown in FIG. 63, upon the dispensed washer 5291D being dispensed,the arrangement as shown in FIG. 63 is achieved. Such arrangement isakin to the arrangement shown in FIG. 55 and described above. The pushplunger 5250 can again be retracted to the right, without rotation ofthe rotating platform 5210, so as to again provide the arrangement shownin FIG. 56. The progression of steps as shown in FIGS. 56-63 can then beperformed so as to yield an additional dispensed washer of theparticular type of washer. On the other hand, the arrangement shown inFIG. 63, akin to the arrangement shown in FIG. 55, allows for rotationof the rotating platform 5210 if desired, i.e., so as to dispense adifferent type of fastener.

The above description with reference to FIGS. 54-63 are described in thecontext of manipulating a sleeve of washers or nuts. However, theinvention is not limited to such particular fastener. Rather, otherfasteners may be dispensed utilizing the dispensing assembly 5200. Inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure, as analternative to the arrangement shown in FIG. 55, the sleeve 5290′ may beattached or fixed to the rotating platform 5210. Accordingly, asfasteners are dispensed from such sleeve by the plunger assembly 5230,only the contained fasteners drop down—so as to be “popped” out by thepush plunger 5250. Such arrangement may be less likely to “jam” ascompared to the arrangement shown in FIG. 55—i.e. in that the pushplunger 5250 would not need to “slice” the sleeve. In order to load sucha sleeve, which remains attached to the rotating platform 5210, a humanmight load the fasteners (e.g. washers) individually or in batch mannerinto sleeve the sleeve. Yet alternatively, a pre-loaded sleeve may beused, which “snaps” into the rotating platform 5210. Once all fastenersare dispensed from a particular pre-loaded sleeve, that particularsleeve may be switched out with a new sleeve that is “loaded” withfasteners.

The structure of this disclosure, in accordance with the variousembodiments, may be made from any of a wide variety of materials and/ordimensions, as is desired. The structure might be made of plastic,polymer, polyplastic, metal, composite, wood, or ceramic, for example,or any other material as desired. Further, a variety of productiontechniques may be used to make the structure as described herein. Forexample, suitable molding techniques might be utilized. Also, thevarious components of the structure described herein may be integrallyformed, as may be desired, in particular when using molding constructiontechniques. Also, physical size of the respective arrangements may beadjusted to accommodate fasteners of varying sizes.

As used herein, any term in the singular may be interpreted to be in theplural, and alternatively, any term in the plural may be interpreted tobe in the singular.

It is appreciated that a feature of one embodiment of the disclosure asdescribed herein may be used in conjunction with features of one or moreother embodiments as may be desired.

As used herein, “data” and “information” have been used interchangeably.

Any motorized structure as described herein may utilize gears, linkages,sprocket with chain, or other known mechanical arrangement so as totransfer requisite motion and/or energy.

Hereinafter, further aspects of implementation of the systems andmethods of the invention will be described.

As described herein, at least some embodiments of the system of thedisclosure and various processes, of embodiments, are described as beingperformed by one or more computer processors. Such one or more computerprocessors may be in the form of a “processing machine,” i.e. a tangiblyembodied machine. As used herein, the term “processing machine” is to beunderstood to include at least one processor that uses at least onememory. The at least one memory stores a set of instructions. Theinstructions may be either permanently or temporarily stored in thememory or memories of the processing machine. The processor executes theinstructions that are stored in the memory or memories in order toprocess data. The set of instructions may include various instructionsthat perform a particular task or tasks, such as any of the processingas described herein. Such a set of instructions for performing aparticular task may be characterized as a program, software program,code or simply software.

As noted above, the processing machine, which may be constituted, forexample, by the particular system and/or systems described above,executes the instructions that are stored in the memory or memories toprocess data. This processing of data may be in response to commands bya user or users of the processing machine, in response to previousprocessing, in response to a request by another processing machineand/or any other input, for example.

As noted above, the machine used to implement the invention may be inthe form of a processing machine. The processing machine may alsoutilize (or be in the form of) any of a wide variety of othertechnologies including a special purpose computer, a computer systemincluding a microcomputer, mini-computer or mainframe for example, aprogrammed microprocessor, a micro-controller, a peripheral integratedcircuit element, a CSIC (Consumer Specific Integrated Circuit) or ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other integrated circuit, alogic circuit, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic devicesuch as a FPGA, PLD, PLA or PAL, or any other device or arrangement ofdevices that is capable of implementing the steps of the processes ofthe invention.

The processing machine used to implement the invention may utilize asuitable operating system. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure mayinclude a processing machine running the Windows 10 operating system,the Windows 8 operating system, Microsoft Windows™ Vista™ operatingsystem, the Microsoft Windows™ XP™ operating system, the MicrosoftWindows™ NT™ operating system, the Windows™ 2000 operating system, theUnix operating system, the Linux operating system, the Xenix operatingsystem, the IBM AIX™ operating system, the Hewlett-Packard UX™ operatingsystem, the Novell Netware™ operating system, the Sun MicrosystemsSolaris™ operating system, the OS/2™ operating system, the BeOS™operating system, the Macintosh operating system, the Apache operatingsystem, an OpenStep™ operating system or another operating system orplatform.

It is appreciated that in order to practice the method of the inventionas described above, it is not necessary that the processors and/or thememories of the processing machine be physically located in the samegeographical place. That is, each of the processors and the memoriesused by the processing machine may be located in geographically distinctlocations and connected so as to communicate in any suitable mannerAdditionally, it is appreciated that each of the processor and/or thememory may be composed of different physical pieces of equipment.Accordingly, it is not necessary that the processor be one single pieceof equipment in one location and that the memory be another single pieceof equipment in another location. That is, it is contemplated that theprocessor may be two pieces of equipment in two different physicallocations. The two distinct pieces of equipment may be connected in anysuitable manner Additionally, the memory may include two or moreportions of memory in two or more physical locations.

To explain further, processing as described above is performed byvarious components and various memories. However, it is appreciated thatthe processing performed by two distinct components as described abovemay, in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure, beperformed by a single component. Further, the processing performed byone distinct component as described above may be performed by twodistinct components. In a similar manner, the memory storage performedby two distinct memory portions as described above may, in accordancewith a further embodiment of the disclosure, be performed by a singlememory portion. Further, the memory storage performed by one distinctmemory portion as described above may be performed by two memoryportions.

Further, as also described above, various technologies may be used toprovide communication between the various processors and/or memories, aswell as to allow the processors and/or the memories of the disclosure tocommunicate with any other entity; i.e., so as to obtain furtherinstructions or to access and use remote memory stores, for example.Such technologies used to provide such communication might include anetwork, the Internet, Intranet, Extranet, LAN, an Ethernet, or anyclient server system that provides communication, for example. Suchcommunications technologies may use any suitable protocol such asTCP/IP, UDP, or OSI, for example.

As described above, a set of instructions is used in the processing ofthe invention on the processing machine, for example. The set ofinstructions may be in the form of a program or software. The softwaremay be in the form of system software or application software, forexample. The software might also be in the form of a collection ofseparate programs, a program module within a larger program, or aportion of a program module, for example. The software used might alsoinclude modular programming in the form of object oriented programming.The software tells the processing machine what to do with the data beingprocessed.

Further, it is appreciated that the instructions or set of instructionsused in the implementation and operation of the invention may be in asuitable form such that the processing machine may read theinstructions. For example, the instructions that form a program may bein the form of a suitable programming language, which is converted tomachine language or object code to allow the processor or processors toread the instructions. That is, written lines of programming code orsource code, in a particular programming language, are converted tomachine language using a compiler, assembler or interpreter. The machinelanguage is binary coded machine instructions that are specific to aparticular type of processing machine, i.e., to a particular type ofcomputer, for example. The computer understands the machine language.

A suitable programming language may be used in accordance with thevarious embodiments of the disclosure. Illustratively, the programminglanguage used may include assembly language, Ada, APL, Basic, C, C++,COBOL, dBase, Forth, Fortran, Java, Modula-2, Pascal, Prolog, REXX,Visual Basic, and/or JavaScript, for example. Further, it is notnecessary that a single type of instructions or single programminglanguage be utilized in conjunction with the operation of the systemsand methods of the disclosure. Rather, any number of differentprogramming languages may be utilized as is necessary or desirable.

Also, the instructions and/or data used in the practice of the inventionmay utilize any compression or encryption technique or algorithm, as maybe desired. An encryption module might be used to encrypt data. Further,files or other data may be decrypted using a suitable decryption module,for example.

As described above, the invention may illustratively be embodied in theform of a processing machine, including a computer or computer system,for example, that includes at least one memory. It is to be appreciatedthat the set of instructions, i.e., the software for example, thatenables the computer operating system to perform the operationsdescribed above may be contained on any of a wide variety of media ormedium, as desired. Further, the data that is processed by the set ofinstructions might also be contained on any of a wide variety of mediaor medium. That is, the particular medium, i.e., the memory in theprocessing machine, utilized to hold the set of instructions and/or thedata used in the invention may take on any of a variety of physicalforms or transmissions, for example. Illustratively, as also describedabove, the medium may be in the form of paper, paper transparencies, acompact disk, a DVD, an integrated circuit, a hard disk, a floppy disk,an optical disk, a magnetic tape, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM, a EPROM, a wire,a cable, a fiber, communications channel, a satellite transmissions orother remote transmission, as well as any other medium or source of datathat may be read by the processors of the invention.

Further, the memory or memories used in the processing machine thatimplements the invention may be in any of a wide variety of forms toallow the memory to hold instructions, data, or other information, as isdesired. Thus, the memory might be in the form of a database to holddata. The database might use any desired arrangement of files such as aflat file arrangement or a relational database arrangement, for example.

In the systems and methods of the invention, a variety of “userinterfaces” may be utilized to allow a user to interface with theprocessing machine or machines that are used to implement the invention.As used herein, a user interface includes any hardware, software, orcombination of hardware and software used by the processing machine thatallows a user to interact with the processing machine. A user interfacemay be in the form of a dialogue screen for example. A user interfacemay also include any of a mouse, touch screen, keyboard, voice reader,voice recognizer, dialogue screen, menu box, list, checkbox, toggleswitch, a pushbutton or any other device that allows a user to receiveinformation regarding the operation of the processing machine as itprocesses a set of instructions and/or provide the processing machinewith information. Accordingly, the user interface is any device thatprovides communication between a user and a processing machine. Theinformation provided by the user to the processing machine through theuser interface may be in the form of a command, a selection of data, orsome other input, for example.

As discussed above, a user interface is utilized by the processingmachine that performs a set of instructions such that the processingmachine processes data for a user. The user interface is typically usedby the processing machine for interacting with a user either to conveyinformation or receive information from the user. However, it should beappreciated that in accordance with some embodiments of the systems andmethods of the invention, it is not necessary that a human user actuallyinteract with a user interface used by the processing machine of theinvention. Rather, it is also contemplated that the user interface ofthe invention might interact, i.e., convey and receive information, withanother processing machine, rather than a human user. Accordingly, theother processing machine might be characterized as a user. Further, itis contemplated that a user interface utilized in the systems andmethods of the invention may interact partially with another processingmachine or processing machines, while also interacting partially with ahuman user.

It will be appreciated that the effects of the present disclosure arenot limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects, which arenot mentioned herein, will be apparent to those in the art from thedisclosure and accompanying claims.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have beendisclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art willappreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions arepossible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosureand accompanying claims.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can bedirectly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers.In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on”another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layerspresent. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These termsare only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer orsection from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element,component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the present disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper”, “top”, “bottom”,“left”, “right” and the like, may be used herein for ease of descriptionto describe the relationship of one element or feature to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will beunderstood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of structures in use or operation, in addition tothe orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to otherelements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative the otherelements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompassboth an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwiseoriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatiallyrelative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference todiagrams and/or cross-section illustrations, for example, that areschematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediatestructures) of the disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes ofthe illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniquesand/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of thedisclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapesof components illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapesthat result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It willbe further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Theappearances of such phrases in various places in the specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within thepurview of one skilled in the art to effect and/or use such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of theembodiments.

It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art thatthe present disclosure is susceptible to broad utility and application.Many embodiments and adaptations of the present disclosure other thanthose herein described, as well as many variations, modifications andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present disclosure and foregoing description thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the disclosure.

Accordingly, while the present disclosure has been described here indetail in relation to its exemplary embodiments, it is to be understoodthat this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the presentinvention and is made to provide an enabling disclosure of theinvention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is not intended to beconstrued or to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude anyother such embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications andequivalent arrangements.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus that performs automated selectionand delivery of a fastener, the apparatus including: a system structurethat includes at least one physical support structure; a fastenerinventory portion disposed within the system structure, the fastenerinventory portion retaining a plurality of fasteners; a user deliveryportion to provide user delivery; a transfer assembly disposed withinthe system structure, the transfer assembly constituted by a physicalstructure that affords physical transport of a fastener selection fromthe fastener inventory portion to the user delivery portion; a fastenerattribute assembly that inputs desired fastener attribute data (DFAdata) regarding a desired fastener; a computer system that controlsoperations of the apparatus, the computer system including a computerprocessor and a memory portion, the computer system includinginstructions on a non-transitory computer medium disposed in the memoryportion, and the computer processor performs processing, based on theinstructions, including: interfaces with the fastener attribute assemblyto input the DFA data from the fastener attribute assembly; maps the DFAdata to at least one fastener candidate; determines a fastener selectionamongst the at least one fastener candidate; determines a number ofdiscrete units of the desired fastener that comprise the fastenerselection; and controls the transfer assembly to retrieve the fastenerselection from the fastener inventory portion and physically transportthe fastener selection to the user delivery portion.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, the fastener attribute assembly constituted by at least onecamera disposed in the system structure, and the DFA data is image dataobtained from an image that is input, by the at least one camera, of thedesired fastener.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, the apparatus furtherincluding a tray assembly disposed in the system structure, and the trayassembly affording a resting place in which to position a tangiblefastener that constitutes the desired fastener.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, the tray assembly disposed so as to position the tangiblefastener such that an image of the tangible fastener is inputtable bythe at least one camera.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, the at least onecamera includes two cameras, and the tray assembly disposed so as toposition the tangible fastener such that a respective image, of at leasta part of the tangible fastener, is inputtable by each of the twocameras.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, the tray assembly constituted bytwo angled surfaces collectively forming a compartment floor, and thetwo angled surfaces forming a V-shaped channel into which the desiredfastener may be received and stably positioned.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, the tray assembly further including a fastener stop flangedisposed in the V-shaped channel, the fastener stop flange constitutedby a structure spanning across a segment of the V-shaped channel, suchthat the desired fastener may be abutted up against the fastener stopflange, while disposed in the V-shaped channel so as to control positionof the desired fastener.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatusfurther including a tray assembly disposed in the system structure, andthe tray assembly affording a resting place in which to position atangible fastener that constitutes the desired fastener.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, the fastener attribute assembly constituted by acamera and a weight sensor: the camera disposed in the system structure,and the DFA data includes image data obtained from an image that isinput, by the camera, of the desired fastener, and the weight sensor isdisposed in the system structure, and the DFA data includes weight dataobtained from a weight attribute of the desired fastener.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, the fastener inventory portion constituted by aplurality of individualized storage portions that each serve torespectively store a particular type of the plurality of fasteners, suchthat each particular type is selectively accessible, on demand, by thetransfer assembly.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, each individualizedstorage portion is in the form of a bin that holds the particular typeof fastener.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, each individualized storageportion is in the form of a disengageable assembly that holds theparticular type of fastener.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, theplurality of fasteners including screws of varying size, nuts of varyingsize, and bolts of varying size.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, thetransfer assembly including a conveyer belt that transports the fastenerselection from the fastener inventory portion to the user deliveryportion.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, the transfer assembly furtherincluding a dispensing device disposed at an associated respectiveindividualized storage portion, the dispensing device controllingdispensing of a requested amount of particular fastener from theassociated individualized storage portion.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1,the at least one physical support structure consists of a single kiosk.17. The apparatus of claim 1, the at least one physical supportstructure includes a first support structure and second supportstructure, and the fastener inventory portion, user delivery portion,and transfer assembly disposed within the first support structure; andthe fastener attribute assembly disposed within the second supportstructure.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, the fastener attribute assemblyincluding a GUI (graphical user interface) and a tray with cameras toretain the desired fastener, and the cameras adapted to input respectiveimages of the desired fastener, and the computer processor inputting theimages in the determines a fastener selection amongst the at least onefastener candidate.
 19. An apparatus that performs automated selectionand delivery of a fastener, the apparatus including: a system structurethat includes at least one physical support structure; a fastenerinventory portion disposed within the system structure, the fastenerinventory portion retaining a plurality of fasteners; a user deliveryportion to provide user delivery; a transfer assembly disposed withinthe system structure, the transfer assembly constituted by a physicalstructure that affords physical transport of a fastener selection fromthe fastener inventory portion to the user delivery portion; a fastenerattribute assembly that inputs desired fastener attribute data (DFAdata) regarding a desired fastener; a computer system that controlsoperations of the apparatus, the computer system including a computerprocessor and a memory portion, the computer system includinginstructions on a non-transitory computer medium disposed in the memoryportion, and the computer processor performs processing, based on theinstructions, including: interfaces with the fastener attribute assemblyto input the DFA data from the fastener attribute assembly; maps the DFAdata to at least one fastener candidate; determines a fastener selectionamongst the at least one fastener candidate; determines a number ofdiscrete units of the desired fastener that comprise the fastenerselection; and controls the transfer assembly to retrieve the fastenerselection from the fastener inventory portion and physically transportthe fastener selection to the user delivery portion; the fastenerattribute assembly constituted by at least one camera disposed in thesystem structure, and the DFA data is image data obtained from an imagethat is input, by the at least one camera, of the desired fastener; theapparatus further including a tray assembly disposed in the systemstructure, and the tray assembly affording a resting place in which toposition a tangible fastener that constitutes the desired fastener; thetray assembly disposed so as to position the tangible fastener such thatan image of the tangible fastener is inputtable by the at least onecamera; and the tray assembly constituted by two angled surfacescollectively forming a compartment floor, and the two angled surfacesforming a V-shaped channel into which the desired fastener is receivableand stably positionable.